Method and apparatus for processing outbound data within a powerline based communication system

ABSTRACT

A powerline based communication system includes a powerline termination module, a plurality of powerline gateways, and a plurality of powerline nodes. The powerline termination module manages data for local area networks within the powerline based communication system. The plurality of powerline gateways is arranged in sets of powerline gateways, wherein each set of powerline gateways constitutes a local area network. Each of the plurality of powerline nodes is operably coupled to the powerline termination module via a high-speed communication path. In addition, each powerline node is operably coupled to set of powerline gateways, i.e., to a local area network, via powerlines of a local transformer. Each of the powerline nodes receives data from the powerline gateways of its LAN via the powerlines of the local transformer and provides the data to the powerline termination module via the high-speed communication path.

REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is being filed concurrently with three relatedapplications having the following titles and serial numbers:

-   -   1. METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING INBOUND DATA WITHIN A        POWERLINE BASED COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, U.S. Ser. No. 09/860,261        filed on even date herewith.    -   2. SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UTILITY NETWORK LOAD CONTROL, U.S. Ser.        No. 09/860,263 filed on even date herewith.    -   3. LOAD MANAGEMENT DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATION, U.S. Ser. No.        09/860,260 filed on even date herewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention relates generally to communication systems and moreparticularly to utilizing powerlines for conveying broadbandcommunications.

2. Related Art

As is known, data may be communicated from one entity (e.g., end user'scomputer, server, facsimile machine, web browser, et cetera) to anotherentity via a communication infrastructure. The communicationinfrastructure may include a public switched telephone network (PSTN),the Internet, wireless communication networks, Local Area Networks(LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN) and/or any combination thereof. Suchcommunication networks are constantly evolving to provide end users withgreater bandwidth such that the user may receive and/or transmit greateramounts of data in shorter times with greater reliability.

In conventional communication systems, an end user is coupled to acommunication system, or network, via a wire line or wirelesscommunication path. Wireless communication paths include radio frequencypaths and infrared paths, while wire line communication paths includetelephone lines, Ethernet connections, fiber optic connections, and/orin-home networks using power outlets. Such in-home networks utilize ahome's existing power wiring, which typically carries a 120 VAC or 240VAC, 60 Hz signal, to carry high frequency signals that represent data.For example, HomePlug Alliance and other home networking committees areattempting to standardize in-home networking over powerlines such thatany end user device (e.g., personal computer, laptop, facsimile machine,printer, audio/video receiver, audio equipment, video equipment, etcetera) within the home, when plugged into an electrical outlet, iscoupled to the home's powerline network. As is known, the in-homenetworking is utilized once the data reaches the home, which may be doneusing a 56K modem, DSL modem, cable modem, etc.

As is also known, the last hundred feet of a communication system, i.e.,the connection to each individual user, is the most costly and mostdifficult to install. To make individual user connections, the telephonecompany, cable company, etc., incurs a truck roll for in-personinstallation of the wiring, optics, coaxial cable, splitters,specialized modems, etc. In addition, many homes are very difficult tophysically access, making the installation of the local connection evenmore difficult and more costly.

Power, or utility, companies are currently installing, in ground, fiberoptic lines in parallel with the installation and/or repair of,powerlines into neighborhoods. Such fiber optics may be used fortransceiving high-speed data for users within the neighborhoods. Thepower companies have similar physical constraints in installing fiberoptics to each home as the telephone companies and cable companies, inthat many homes are physically difficult to access and/or costly toaccess.

Therefore, a need exists for a method and apparatus that enablesbroadband communications in local area networks of a plurality of homesvia powerlines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These needs and others are substantially met by the present inventionthat, in general, discloses a method and apparatus for powerline basedcommunication systems. Such a powerline based communication systemutilizes the powerlines of at least one local distribution transformer,and/or substation transformer, to carry broadband data for a pluralityof users that receive power from the at least one local distributiontransformer, and/or substation transformer. The powerline basedcommunication system includes a powerline termination module, aplurality of powerline gateways, and a plurality of powerline nodes. Alocal area network (LAN) of the powerline based communication systemincludes a set of powerline gates, wherein each of the powerlinegateways in a set is associated with a home. The homes of a LAN eachreceive power from a local distribution transformer. In addition, eachLAN includes one of the powerline nodes that is physically co-locatedwith the local distribution transformer, at one of the homes in the LAN,or at any convenient location therebetween.

Each powerline node of each local area network is operably coupled tothe powerline termination module via a high-speed communication path. Ingeneral, the powerline termination module manages the broadband data forassociated local area networks. Accordingly, the powerline terminationmodule includes routing, networking, and switching functions tofacilitate the conveyance of data between users of the local areanetworks and between users of the local area networks and other entitiesvia a communication network or a plurality of communication networks.

The powerline node in a local area network is operably coupled to thepowerline gateways within the local area network via the powerlines. Inaddition, the powerline node is operably coupled to the powerlinetermination module, or switching hub, via a high-speed communicationpath, such as a fiber optic cable, coaxial cable, telephone line,Ethernet connection, Internet connection, wireless connection, etcetera. As coupled, the powerline node of a local area network generallyacts as the conduit to the more global communication system for thelocal area network. Thus, the powerline node receives local area networkdata from the global communication system via the powerline terminationmodule, or the like, and provides it to the powerline gateways of thelocal area network. In addition, the powerline node receives data fromthe powerline gateways of the local area network and provides the datato the global communication system via the powerline termination module,or the like. The communication of data within the local area network maybe done using IP packets with multi-protocol label switching (MPLS)support, label-switching support, and/or asynchronous transfer mode(ATM) support. VLAN and/or Quality of Service (QoS) support may also beincluded with both inbound and outbound operations when IP packetswitching is supported, e.g., IEEE 802.1, 802.1Q, etc. Alternatively,the data may be transceived using time division multiplexing, frequencydivision multiplexing, or some other frame-based data transceivingprotocol.

In another embodiment, a local area powerline based communication systemincludes a plurality of powerline gateways and a single powerline node.The powerline node is operably coupled to a high-speed communicationpath and to the plurality of powerline gateways. The coupling betweenthe powerline node and the powerline gateways is via powerlines of alocal transformer. The powerline node transceives data via thehigh-speed communication path and provides the data, in the format ofthe LAN, to the plurality of powerline gateways associated with thelocal transformer. In addition, the powerline node receives data fromthe plurality of powerline gateways via the powerlines of the localtransformer and provides the data, in an appropriate format, on thehigh-speed communication path.

To facilitate the transceiving of data on the powerlines in aneighborhood, or local area network, each of the powerline nodes andpowerline gateways includes an AC coupling module, a demodulationmodule, a data processing module, a transmitting module, a modulationmodule, and a receiving module. In addition, each of the powerline nodesand powerline gateways include a splitter to split the transmit datafrom the receive data. Accordingly, a broadband communication system maynow readily be supported via powerlines within neighborhoods where onlya single fiber optic or other high-speed communication path, or few suchconnections, are provided to a neighborhood via a powerline node, whichtransceives data via the powerlines to other homes within the local arenetwork.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a powerline basedcommunication system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an alternate powerlinebased communication system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic block diagram of another powerline basedcommunication system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a powerline node andpowerline gateway in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an alternate powerlinenode and powerline gateway in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a more detailed schematic block diagram of apowerline node in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed schematic block diagram of a portion ofthe powerline node of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a graphical representation of the generaloperation of the powerline node in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a powerline gateway inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a more detailed schematic block diagram of a portionof the powerline gateway of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an alternate powerlinenode in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a distributed powerline based communication systemin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a graphical representation of processing inboundlocal area network data in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a graphical representation of processing outboundlocal area network data in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates a graphical representation of processing inboundlocal area network data in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates an alternate graphical representation of processingoutbound local area network data in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 illustrates a logic diagram of a method for providing broadbandcommunication over powerlines in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates a logic diagram of further processing of the data ofStep 362 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 illustrates a logic diagram of a method for providing broadbandcommunication over powerlines in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a system diagram illustrating a load management systemconstructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a partial system diagram illustrating the manner in which aplurality of load management devices is accessed;

FIG. 23 is a system diagram illustrating an alternate construction of aload management system according to the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a carrier class power managementsystem device providing the functionality of a power managementtermination system and a plurality of power line nodes;

FIG. 25 is a partial system diagram illustrating the combination of apower load management system and a high speed communication systemservicing a plurality of subscribers coupled to a utility network via apower line carrier local area network;

FIG. 26 is a graph illustrating the various bands that may be employedto service power load management communications and high data ratecommunications;

FIG. 27 is a partial system diagram illustrating the manner in whichpower load management signals are coupled to a substation distributiontransformer;

FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a loadmanagement device constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a device thatprovides high speed data communication functions and load managementfunctions;

FIG. 30 is a block diagram illustrating another device that provideshigh speed communication functions and load management functions;

FIG. 31 is a block diagram illustrating a load management deviceconstructed according to the present invention that interfaces with oneor more smart appliances;

FIG. 32A is a block diagram illustrating the manner in which power loadmanagement devices according to the present invention may be deployed;

FIG. 32B is a block diagram illustrating the manner in which a loadmanagement device constructed according to the present invention may beresponsive to both individual addressing and broadcast addressing;

FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating the construction of atransformer within which high speed data networking and/or power loadmanagement circuitry is contained;

FIG. 34 is a logic diagram illustrating load management systemoperations according to the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a logic diagram illustrating operation of a power managementtermination system of a load management system according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 36 is a logic diagram illustrating operation of a load managementdevice according to the present invention;

FIG. 37 illustrates operations performed by a subscriber in placing inservice a load management device; and

FIG. 38 is a logic diagram illustrating operation in which a subscriberinitiates load management of load via a load management device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1 through 20 relate to the manner in which high speedcommunications may be serviced by one or more power line carrier localarea networks. The description of FIGS. 1 through 20 describes themanner in which communication signals are coupled to power lines and themanner in which the communication signals are decoupled from the powerlines. Generally speaking, the system and methods of FIGS. 1 through 20include power line termination modules and power line nodes that couplehigh speed communication paths to utility power lines. Further, thedescription of these Figures also describes a plurality of power linegateways that service particular end-point devices and that also coupleto the power lines of the utility company. The power line terminationmodule, the power line nodes, and the power line gateways use the powerlines of the utility company to provide the last portion of a high speedcommunication network.

FIGS. 21 through 38 describe the manner in which load management may beaccomplished using such power line carrier local area networks. Similardevices and methods are employed to use the power lines of the utilitynetwork to carry communication signals. These communication signals areemployed to control the operation of load management devices that aredeployed in homes and businesses. The control of these load managementdevices allows the utility company, another service provider, orcorresponding subscribers to control electrical loads serviced by theload management devices. While some of the structure and operationsdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 through 20 may be employed in powerload management, FIGS. 21 through 38 will typically separately describepower load management functions from the high speed communicationfunctions that may be concurrently provided.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a powerline basedcommunication system 10. The system 10 includes a plurality ofsubstation transformers 12 and 14, a plurality of local transformers 30,32, 18, and 20, a plurality of powerline nodes 34, 36, 22, and 24, aplurality of local area networks 26, 28, 38, and 40, and a powerlinetermination module 16. As one of average skill in the art willappreciate, more or less substation transformers, local transformers,powerline nodes, powerline termination modules, and local area networksmay be included in a communication system that provides similarcommunication services as that of the powerline base communicationsystem 10. Accordingly, the elements illustrated, and the quantitiesthereof, are in no way to be construed as to limit the number ofelements that may be included in the communication system 10 but areshown to illustrate the concepts of the present invention. The sameapplies to each figure of the present patent application.

As shown, the substation transformers 12 and 14 are coupled to highvoltage powerlines. The high voltage powerlines provide a 3-phase highvoltage signal to each of the substation transformers. The voltage ofthe high voltage signal may be 69 kilovolts AC (KVAC), 138 KVAC, 345KVAC, etc. The substation transformers 12 and 14 convert the 3-phasehigh voltage signal into a lower voltage 3-phase signal. The outputvoltage of each substation transformer 12 and 14 may be 12.5 KVAC, 13.8KVAC, or 25 KVAC.

Each of the local distribution transformers 18, 20, 30 and 32 receivesthe 3 phase 12.5, 13.8 KVAC, or 25 KVAC signal from the respectivesubstation transformer 12 or 14 and produces a single-phase 120 volt AC(VAC) or 240 VAC output. Accordingly, the single-phase 120 VAC or 240VAC output is provided to a plurality of homes 60–62, 68–70, 76–78, and84–86 within each local area network 26, 28, 38 and 40 via powerlines46, 48, 42, and 44. Accordingly, each home within a local area networkis coupled to each other home in the LAN via powerlines of its localtransformer. As such, the powerlines 42, 44, 46 or 48, carry the singlephase 120 VAC or 240 VAC signal to each of the homes to supply the homewith its requisite energy needs.

Each local area network 26, 28, 38 and 40 has a powerline node 22, 24,34 and 36 operably coupled to it. As shown, each powerline node 22, 24,34 and 36 is operably coupled to the local area network 26, 28, 38 and40 via powerlines 42, 44, 46 and 48 and also to a powerline terminationmodule 16 via a high-speed communication path 50, 52, 54 and 56. Asconfigured, the powerline nodes 22, 24, 34 and 36 provide the last 100feet, or so, of broadband coupling for the local area networks 26, 28,38 and 40. As is known, the last 100 feet, or so, of a communicationpath is one of the most financially significant portion of thecommunication network. As such, the powerline nodes 22, 24, 34 and 36 incombination with the powerline gateways 64, 66, 72, 74, 80, 82, 88 and90 provide an economical and reliable communication network for the last100 feet, or so, of a communication system.

In general, the powerline nodes 22, 24, 34 and 36 transceive data viathe high-speed communication paths 50, 52, 54 and 56 with the powerlinetermination module 16 for their respective local area networks. Thepowerline termination module 16 is operably coupled to a communicationnetwork 58, which may be the Internet, public switched telephone network(PSTN), wireless network, Ethernet network, public wide area network,private wide area network, and/or any other network that routes dataamongst a plurality of users as electrical signals and/or as lightwaves. As such, the powerline termination module 16 acts as a localswitch for the powerline nodes 22, 24, 34 and 36 and their respectivelocal area networks.

Each of the powerline nodes 22, 24, 34 and 36 transceives data via thehigh-speed communication path 50, 52, 54 and 56. The inbound datareceived by the powerline node 22, 24, 34 or 36 is destined for one ormore of the users (i.e., homes, within the respective local areanetwork). The inbound local area network data is processed then andmodulated onto the powerlines 42, 44, 46 or 48. Each of the powerlinegateways 64, 66, 72, 74, 80, 82, 88 and 90 include AC coupling toreceive the modulated signal from the powerlines. The powerline gateways64, 66, 72, 74, 80, 82, 88 and 90 demodulate the data, process the dataand retrieve the local area data for its respective home, (i.e., user).A user may be a personal computer, printer, facsimile machine, audioequipment, video equipment, in-home network, and/or any device that canreceive and/or transmit digital information. Such devices may beutilized within a home 60–62 and coupled to the powerline gateway 64 viaan in-home networking system, in-home powerline network, a telephoneconnection, an Ethernet connection, a fiber optic connection, a coaxialcable connection, DSL modem, ISDN modem, 56K modem, and/or any means forcoupling one device to another for transmission or reception ofelectrical and/or light signals.

In addition, each of the powerline gateways 64, 66, 72, 74, 80, 82, 88and 90 receives data from a user within the respective home, processesthe data and modulates it onto the respective powerlines. The respectivepowerline node receives the modulated data, demodulates it, processesit, and places it on the high-speed communication path for transmissionto the powerline termination module 16. The powerline termination module16 then processes the data and routes it either to another user withinone of the other local area networks or to the communication network 58.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of another powerline basecommunication system 100. In this example of a powerline basecommunication system, the system 100 includes four local area networks26, 28, 38 and 40, a pair of substation transformers 12 and 14, aplurality of local distribution transformers 18, 20, 30 and 32 and apair of powerline nodes 24 and 36. Each of the local area networks 26,28, 38 and 40 include a plurality of homes 76–78, 84–86, 60–62, and68–70, respectively. Associated with each home in each local areanetwork is a powerline gateway. For instance, powerline gateway 64 isassociated with home 60; powerline gateway 66 is associated with home62, et cetera.

Local distribution transformer 30 is shown to include a high voltagecapacitor 102 coupled in parallel with its primary and secondarywindings. In addition, local distribution transformer 32 also includes ahigh voltage capacitor 104 coupled in parallel with its primary andsecondary windings. As coupled, the high voltage capacitors 102 and 104provide a low impedance path for the modulated data produced by thepowerline gateways 64, 66, 72 and 74 to the powerline node 36. As such,in this configuration, powerline node 36 may act as the conduit with thepowerline termination module 16 for both LAN 39 and LAN 40. As one ofaverage skill in the art will appreciate, the high voltage capacitors102 and 104 may be a single high voltage capacitor having a capacitanceof 100 pF to 10 μF and have a voltage rating in excess of 240 VAC. Asone of average skill in the art will also appreciate, the high voltagecapacitors 102 and 104 may include multiple capacitors coupled in seriesand/or in parallel to achieve a desired capacitance and voltage rating.As one of average skill in the art will further appreciate, multiplecapacitors may be used to coupled multiple taps, or nodes, of theprimary winding to multiple taps, or nodes, of the secondary winding,and are coupled to the same phases of the primary and secondary windingfor multiple phase transformers.

Local distribution transformers 18 and 20 have their secondary windingsoperably coupled together via high voltage capacitor 106. As coupled,the modulated data produced by the powerline gateways within local areanetworks 26 and 28 are readily coupled to the powerline node 24. Assuch, powerline node 24 supports both local area networks 26 and 28. Inthis embodiment, powerline node 24 acts as the conduit to the powerlinetermination module 16, and hence the communication network, for allusers within local area network 26 and 28.

In some installations, the local transformers 32 and 30 will havesufficiently low series impedance in a frequency of interest so that themodulated data will pass through the transformers 30 and 32substantially or fully unattenuated. In this case, coupling capacitors102 and 104 are not required.

Modulated data propagating along the power lines over a distance willattenuate and the signal to noise ratio of the modulated data willdecrease. Further, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) will also reducethe signal to noise ratio as the modulated data propagates. Thus,repeaters 75 may be required to boost the signal strength of themodulated data. Whether repeaters 75 will be required, placement of therepeaters 75, and the gain required for the repeaters 75 will typicallybe unique to each installation. A repeater 75 was shown in FIG. 1 andother repeaters 75 are shown in the subsequent Figures.

As in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the system 100 of FIG. 2 provides thelast 100 feet, or so, of a communication network (i.e., the individualcoupling to each home within each LAN, or neighborhood) is provided viathe powerline nodes 24 and 36, the powerline gateways 64, 66, 72, 74,80, 82, 88 and 90 and the existing powerlines associated with the localdistribution transformers.

For the systems shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the powerline nodes 22, 24, 34and 36 may be mounted near the local distribution transformers (i.e., onthe same pole), incorporated into the local distribution transformerbox, mounted at one of the homes within the local area network, or anyconvenient location between the transformer and the homes of the LAN. Aspreviously mentioned, a local area network may generally be viewed asthe homes within a neighborhood wherein each home within theneighborhood is powered by the same local distribution transformer. Assuch, each LAN network may include 1–500 homes, small businesses, orother structures.

To provide filtering with the local distribution transformers 18, 20,30, and 32 and/or to prevent unwanted feedback to the substationtransformers, each of the local distribution transformers may include amodified fuse to have a desired frequency response. For example, themodified fuse may have a predetermined inductance that provideshigh-frequency isolation to upstream data and filtering for down-streamdata. As a further example, the fuse may include a desired resistanceand/or a desired capacitance to provide a more complex frequencyresponse.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic block diagram of another powerline basecommunication system 110. The system 110 includes a plurality ofsubstation transformers (only one shown), a plurality of localdistribution transformers 30 and 32, and a plurality of local areanetworks 38 and 40. In this example system, powerline nodes 112 and 114are associated with an individual home 62 and 68, respectively, withinthe LAN they support. In addition, each of the powerline nodes 112 and114 include a powerline gateway 116 and 118 to facilitate transceivingdata for the individual home 62 or 68. Each of the powerline nodes 112are operably coupled to the powerline termination module 116 via ahigh-speed communication path 120 or 122, which may be a fiber opticcable, coaxial cable, telephone line, wireless communication path,and/or any communication medium that allows 2 devices to transmit analogand/or digital information there between.

The powerline termination module 16 includes a communication networkinterface 126 and a utility network interface 128. The communicationnetwork interface 126 allows the powerline termination module 16 to beoperably coupled to a communication network 58. The communicationnetwork interface 126 includes the multiplexing and de-multiplexing,switching, routing and/or other interconnections required to interface aplurality of local users with the communication network 58.

The utility network interface 128 provides a similar function but withrespect to a utility network 130. Most power companies have their ownnetwork to allow communication with substations, local distributiontransformers, etc. As such, the utility network 130 may be utilized asat least a portion of the switching fabric to couple multiple local areanetworks associated with various substations together. This may be donealternatively to or in addition with the coupling to the communicationnetwork 58.

The powerline termination module 16 also includes a user database 124,which includes a listing of each user associated with each of the localarea networks serviced by the powerline termination module 16. Suchinformation includes, but is not limited to, user identification code,user access code, type of use, type of service, access information,access privileges, et cetera. In general, the powerline terminationmodule 16 provides the platform for system management and controls thehigh-speed data paths. In one embodiment, the powerline terminationmodule includes a fully redundant architecture that provides faultprotection for the control of the system and for the connection to thecommunication network 58. In addition, the power termination module 16provides platform interfaces for element management to support up to2,000 customers, or users. Typically, the powerline termination module16 will use optical interfaces from 2.4 to 10 gigabits per second tointerface with the powerline nodes. Such optical interfacing willutilize a gigabit Ethernet physical layer.

The powerline nodes of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 generally provide the platformfor a conversion of the high-speed electrical of light signals, whichmay be carried via wires, radio frequencies, and/or fiber optics, fromthe network into electrical signals that are transmitted over thepowerline infrastructure to the users of the LANs. The powerline nodesmay physically reside at a location that provides the best intersectionof the signal to the power network. Such possible locations include atthe customer side of the substation transformer, at the customer side ofthe local distribution transformer, or at a home within the neighborhoodserviced by the local distribution transformer. In addition, each of thepowerline nodes should be weather proof such that no additionalenvironment protection is needed.

As previously mentioned, each of the substation transformers produces a3-phase high voltage signal. In accordance with the present invention,each phase produced by the substation transformer may carry separatemodulated data for a local area network or a plurality of local areanetworks. For example, when the services for a particular local areanetwork are relatively low speed, a powerline node may be located at thesubstation transformer on a one per phase basis (i.e., line to ground)to provide services such as meter reading, turn on-off electricalequipment within the home, burglar alarm activation/deactivation, etcetera. In addition, low speed signaling may be used to test particularpower networks to verify bandwidth capabilities. For broadband services,such as Internet access, telephony, et cetera, the powerline node wouldbe located at the low voltage side of a local distribution transformer.

In one embodiment, a powerline node would typically serve in the rangeof 1–15 homes. In an area where more than 15 homes are supported by alocal distribution transformer, a plurality of powerline nodes may beutilized. To provide isolation on the powerlines from powerline node topowerline node, and from local area network to local area network,different modulation frequencies may be utilized, the powerlines may befrequency division multiplex, time division multiplex, and/or any othermechanism for isolating multiple signals on a single transmission path.

As one of average skill in the art will appreciate, the powerline nodesand powerline gateways may include a battery backup, generator, and/or afuel cell to power respective portions of the local area network as wellas provide in home power when local services have been disrupted.

As one of average skill in the art will further appreciate, a powerlinebase communication system may be configured in accordance with FIGS. 1,2 and/or 3. For example, one local area network may include a powerlinenode that is affiliated with a particular home, one local area networkmay be supported by a powerline node that is physically co-located withthe local distribution transformer, while multiple local area networksmay be supported by a single powerline node wherein AC coupling providesconnectivity between local area networks. In addition, the substationtransformer may include the powerline node that provides communicationto the entire network affiliated with that particular substation.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a representative localarea network wherein the powerline nodes 22, 24, 34 and 36 are shown ingreater detail as well as the powerline gateways 64, 66, 72, 74, 80, 82,88 and 90. As shown, the powerline node, 22, 24, 34 or 36 includes an ACcoupling module 152, a power amplifier 154, a splitter 156, a powerlinenode inbound section 158 and a powerline node outbound section 160. Theinbound and outbound sections 158 and 160 are operably coupled to thehigh-speed communication path 50 through 56. As coupled, the powerlinenode 22, 24, 34 or 36 process inbound local area network data 140 andoutbound local area network data 142.

In general, inbound section 158 of the powerline node 22, 24, 34 or 36processes the inbound local area network data 140 based on a desiredcommunication convention. The desired communication convention may betime division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, carriersense multi-access (CSMA), CSMA with collision avoidance, CSMA withcollision detection, encryption, buffering, frame relay packetizing, ATMpacketizing, internet protocol (IP), and/or any convention forpacketizing, framing, and/or encoding data for transmission via acommunication network. As such, the inbound local area network data 140is received via the high-speed communication path 50 through 56 inaccordance with a particular communication convention.

Upon receipt, the inbound section 158 deciphers the local area networkdata 140 to identify the individual addressees, i.e., the individualusers within the local area network it supports. The deciphered LAN data140 is then processed in accordance with the communication convention ofthe LAN, which may be time division multiplexing, frequency divisionmultiplexing, carrier sense multi-access (CSMA), CSMA with collisionavoidance, CSMA with collision detection, encryption, buffering, framerelay packetizing, ATM packetizing, internet protocol (IP), and/or anyconvention for packetizing, framing, and/or encoding data fortransmission via a communication network. The processed data is thenmodulated in accordance with a modulation protocol of the LAN andprovided to splitter 156.

The splitter 156 may be of conventional construct, such as a transformerhaving a primary and two secondary windings, or a direct accessarrangement (DAA), or any device that provides an equivalent function.The power amplifier 154 receives the modulated data via the splitter156. The power amplifier 154, which may be of a conventional constructas found in DSL modems, ISDN modems, 56K modems, and/or any other typeof modem, amplifies the modulated data and, via the AC coupling module152, places the amplified modulated signals on the powerlines.

Each of the powerline gateways, 64, 66, 72, 74, 80, 82, 88 and 90 areoperably coupled to the powerlines at the respective homes. Each of thepowerline gateways includes an AC coupling module 162, a power amplifier164, a splitter 166, a powerline gateway inbound section 168 and apowerline gateway outbound section 170. The modulated data that has beenplaced on the powerlines by the AC coupling module 152 of the powerlinenode is received via the AC coupling module 162 of the powerlinegateways. The received modulated signals are provided to power amplifier164, which also may be of a conventional modem construct, amplifies thesignals and provides the amplified signals to splitter 166. The splitter166, which may be of conventional construct, separates the outboundsignals, (i.e., the modulated signals received from the powerline node)from the inbound signals (i.e., the received signals from the user thatare to be modulated and provided to the powerline node).

As one of average skill in the art will appreciate, for full duplexoperation, the inbound data will be modulated at a different frequencythan the outbound data. As such, the transmit path (i.e., from thepowerline node to the powerline gateways) and receive path (i.e., fromthe powerline gateways to the powerline node) within the local areanetwork will operate at different frequencies. If half duplex conveyanceof data is desired, the same frequency may be used for transmit andreceive paths. As such, at certain times, or as indicated by thepowerline node, the communication path will be used for datatransmission, i.e., from the powerline node to the powerline gateways,or data reception, i.e., from the powerline gateways to the powerlinenode.

Once the modulated data has been amplified and separated by the splitter164, the powerline gateway outbound section 170 demodulates the data inaccordance with the modulation/demodulation protocol of the LAN. Theoutbound section 170 then processes the demodulated data in accordancewith the LAN communication convention, (e.g., TDM, FDM, CSMA, CSMA withCA, CSMA with CD, decryption, buffering, frame relay packetizing, ATMpacketizing, internet protocol (IP), and/or any convention forpacketizing, framing, and/or encoding data for transmission via acommunication network) to produce retrieved data. The outbound section170 then provides the retrieved data to the home as user outbound data146. Each powerline gateway will perform a similar function with respectto modulated inbound data on the powerlines.

The coupling of the powerline gateway to the home may be done through amodem, a direction connection, a connection into an in-home network, orany other means for provided data to a user. Once the data is in thehome, it may be routed in accordance with whatever in-home networking,or direct connect, convention used therein to a desired end-user.

Each of the users within the homes 60, 62, 68, 70, 76, 78, 84 or 80 alsoproduce user inbound data 144 or 148. The user inbound data 144 or 148is data generated by a user who desires to transmit it to thecommunication network to another user via the powerline node. Note thatif the user is communicating from home to home within the local areanetwork, the powerline node may facilitate the switching of the datasuch that the data is not provided on the high-speed communication path50 or 56. Similarly, if the initiating user and target user aresupported by the same powerline termination module, the powerlinetermination module may provide the appropriate switching, and/orrouting, to facilitate the communication.

Once a user has generated the user inbound data 144 or 148, it isprocessed by the powerline gateway inbound section 168. The powerlinegateway inbound section 168 processes the data in accordance with thedesired communication convention of the LAN and then modulates theprocess data in accordance with the modulation protocol of the LAN. Themodulated data is provided to splitter 166 and then amplified by poweramplifier 164. The amplified signal is placed on the powerlines via theAC coupling module 162, which includes a pair of high voltagecapacitors.

The powerline node receives the user inbound modulated user data via thepowerlines and the AC coupling module 152, which provides the receivedsignals to the power amplifier 154. The power amplifier 154 amplifiesthe received inbound modulated user data and provides the amplified datasignals to the splitter 156. The splitter 156 separates the user inboundmodulated data 144 or 148 from the inbound local area network data 140.The powerline node outbound section 160 receives the modulated userdata, demodulates it based on the modulation/demodulation protocol ofthe LAN to produce demodulated data. The outbound section then processesthe demodulated data from the plurality of powerline gateways based onthe communication convention (e.g., TDM, FDM, CSMA, CSMA with CA, CSMAwith CD, decryption, buffering, frame relay packetizing, ATMpacketizing, internet protocol (IP), and/or any convention forpacketizing, framing, and/or encoding data for transmission via acommunication network) of the high-speed communication path 50–56. Oncethe data has been processed, the outbound section 160 places the data onthe high-speed communication path 50–56 such that the powerlinetermination module 16 subsequently receives it. Alternatively, thepowerline node may be coupled via the high-speed communication path tothe communication network, such that the processed data is directlyrouted to the communication network.

As one of average skill in the art will appreciate, the communicationconvention used to transceive data via the high-speed communication path50–56 between the powerline nodes and the communication network and/orthe powerline termination module 16, may be a different communicationconvention from the one used within each of the local area networks. Forexample, the transmission of user inbound data 144 may utilize a CSMAtype process while the data on the high-speed communication path 50–56may utilize a frame relay communication convention, ATM communicationconvention, other packetized communication convention, or a frame basedcommunication convention. In addition, each local area network with thepowerline based communication system may use a different communicationconvention, however, the communication convention between the powerlinenodes and the powerline termination module will be the same. Further,the modulation/demodulation protocol, which may be amplitude modulation,frequency modulation, frequency shift keying, phase shift keying,quadrature amplitude modulation, discrete multi-tone, orthogonalfrequency division multiplexing, and code division multiple access, usedin each LAN may be the same or varying from LAN to LAN.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the local area network38 or 40 of FIG. 3. In this illustration, powerline node 112 includes apowerline gateway 116 or 118 and is associated with home 62 or 68. Inaddition, the powerline node 112 includes the AC coupling module 152,the power amplifier 154, the splitter 156, a powerline node inboundsection 182 and a powerline node outbound section 180. The powerlinenode inbound section 182 is operably coupled to the high-speedcommunication path 50–56 to receive inbound local area network data 140.The powerline node inbound section 182 interprets the inbound local areanetwork data 140 to determine whether any of the data is destined for auser within home 62 or 68. If so, the home's data is separated from theremainder of the LAN data and provided to the powerline gateway 116. Thepowerline gateway outbound section 186 processes the local area data forthe user within home 60 or 62 and provides the user outbound data 146 tothe home. The remainder of the inbound local area network data 140 isprocessed by the powerline node inbound section 182 in a similar fashionas the inbound local area network data was processed by powerline nodeinbound section 158 of FIG. 4.

The user at home 62 or 68 generates user inbound data 144. The powerlinegateway inbound section 184 of powerline gateway 116 or 118 receives theuser inbound data 144, processes it in accordance with the communicationconvention and provides it to the powerline node outbound section 180.Alternatively, the powerline gateway inbound section 184 passes the useroutbound data 146 directly to the powerline node outbound section 180.The powerline node outbound section 180 processes the received useroutbound data 146 with the other data it receives via the powerlines,the AC coupling module 152, and the splitter 156. The functionality ofthe powerline node output section 180 is similar to the functionality ofthe powerline node output section 160 of FIG. 4.

The powerline gateway 64 or 74 as shown in FIG. 5 functions in a similarway as the powerline gateways discussed with reference to FIG. 4. Assuch, in this configuration, the powerline node 112 or 114 is mounted toan individual home wherein the high-speed communication path 120 or 122is provided directly to the home. As such, power companies may provide asingle fiber optic line, or other high-speed communication link, to onehome within a neighborhood supporting a powerline node as opposed torunning such high-speed communication links to each home in theneighborhood. The one high-speed communication link, via the powerlinenode, supports the data needs of the entire neighborhood. By having onehome directly coupled to a high-speed communication path as opposed tomany, there is substantial installation cost savings. The cost savingsin each neighborhood is achieved by having the powerline node 112 or 114and a plurality of powerline gateways providing the final 100 feet, orso, of a communication system. In addition, many homes that arephysically inaccessible, or physically difficult to reach, can nowreceive broadband communication services.

FIG. 6 illustrates a more detailed schematic block diagram of powerlinenodes 22, 24, 34 or 36. As shown, the AC coupling module 152 includes apair of high voltage capacitors, which have a capacitance valuedepending on the frequency of the modulated data. For example,frequencies in the kilohertz range may require a relatively largecapacitor, in the range of 10 to 100 μF (micro Farads), whereasmodulated data in the megahertz range would require capacitors in the nF(nano Farad) range. Each of the capacitors should have a sufficientvoltage rating to withstand a voltage differential supported by thepowerlines. For example, if the powerlines are supporting 240 volts, thevoltage rating of the capacitor should be in excess of 240 volts.

As shown, the high voltage capacitors of the AC coupling module 152directly couple the powerlines 42, 44, 46, and 48, to the differentialoutput of a transmit power amplifier 154T and to the inputs of areceiving power amplifier 154R. The receiving power amplifier 154Rprovides a differential output to the splitter 156. The splitter 156also provides a differential input to the transmit power amplifier 154T.The splitter 156 outputs the received differential signal as thereceived output modulated data 208 to the powerline node outboundsection 160.

The powerline node output section 160 includes a demodulation module202, a data processing module 204, and a transmitting module 206. Thedemodulation module 202 receives the outbound modulated data 208,demodulates it to produce demodulated data 210. The demodulation module202 uses a demodulation scheme that is dependent on the modulationscheme used to produce the modulated data 208. For example, themodulation, and hence the corresponding demodulation scheme, may beamplitude modulation, frequency modulation, frequency shift keying,phase shift keying, quadrature amplitude modulation, discrete multi-toneencoding, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, spread spectrummodulation, and/or any technique for transmitting and/or receiving datausing a carrier frequency or plurality of carrier frequencies.

The data processing module 204 receives the demodulated data 210 andprocesses it in accordance with the desired communication convention toproduce retrieved local area network data 212. The communicationconvention may be time division multiplexing, frequency divisionmultiplexing, CSMA, CSMA with collision avoidance, CSMA with collisiondetection, decryption, buffering, frame processing, packetizedinformation processing, and/or any other convention for conveying datathrough a switching fabric between users.

The transmitting module 206 receives the retrieved local area networkdata 212 and provides it as outbound local area network data 142 on thehigh-speed communication path. The transmit module 206 may include anelectrical interface such as a connector, may include an electrical toan optical interface, may include buffering, and/or any means fortransmitting optical and/or electrical signals.

The powerline node inbound section 158 includes a receiving module 190,a data processing module 192, and a modulation module 194. The receivingmodule 190 is operably coupled to receive inbound local area networkdata 140 via the high-speed communication path 50–56. The receivingmodule 190 may include an electrical interface, an optical to anelectrical interface, buffering, and/or any means for receiving opticaland/or electrical signals. The data processing module 192 receives theinbound local area network data 196 and processes it in accordance withthe communication convention to produce process data 198. As mentioned,the communication convention may be in accordance with frame relayprocessing, time division multiplexing, ATM packetizing data, otherpacketizing conventions, label switched networks, multiple protocollabel switching, CSMA, CSMA with collision avoidance, CSMA withcollision detection, encryption, and/or buffering.

The modulation module 194 receives the processed data 198 and producestherefrom modulated data 200. The modulation module 194 modulates theprocessed data in accordance with the modulation protocol used withinthe LAN. Such a modulation protocol includes amplitude modulation,frequency modulation, frequency shift keying, phase shift keying,quadrature amplitude modulation, discrete multi-tone modulation,orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, spread spectrum encoding,and/or any other modulation technique for placing a data signal onto acarrier frequency or a plurality of carrier frequencies.

The splitter 156 receives the modulated data 200 and provides it to thetransmit power amplifier 154T. The power amplifier 154T produces adifferential output that is provided to the AC coupling module 152. Theamplified modulated data 200 is then placed on powerlines 42, 44, 46 or48, which may be received by one or more of the powerline gatewayscoupled to the respective powerlines.

FIG. 7 illustrates a more detailed schematic block diagram of anembodiment of the powerline node inbound section 158 and powerline nodeoutbound section 160 of FIG. 6. As shown, the data processing module 192of the inbound section 158 includes a multiplexor 228, a channelresponse determination module 226 and a mapping module 220. Themultiplexor 228 is controlled by the channel response determinationmodule 226 to output either received inbound local area network data 196or test pattern data 230. In normal operation, the multiplexor 228 willoutput the received inbound local area network data 196. In test modeand/or set-up mode, the channel response determination module 226produces test patterns 230 (i.e., known signals), which are outputted bymultiplexor 228. The test patterns are generated to enable the channelresponse determination module 226 to determine the frequencycharacteristics of the powerlines within the local area network.

The mapping module 220 receives the inbound LAN data 196 or the testpattern 230 and maps the data into frequency bins based on the channelresponse 222 of the powerlines. The mapped, or processed, data 198 isthen provided to the modulation module 194. The functionality of thedata processing module 192 will be described in greater detail withreference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

The modulation module 194 includes a modulator 232, a digital to analogconverter 234, and a filter 236. The modulator 232 modulates theprocessed data 198 in accordance with the modulation protocolincorporated by the local area network. The modulated data is thenconverted to an analog signal via the digital to analog converter 234.The analog signal is then filtered via filter 236 and provided asmodulated data 220. The output of modulator 232 is also provided to anecho cancellation module 240 of the demodulation module 210.

The demodulation module 210 includes a filter 238, a summing module 242,the echo cancellation module 240, an equalizer 244, a ranging module246, a multipath module 248, an analog to digital converter 250, and ademodulator 252. The data processing module 204 includes a demappingmodule 254. The demodulation module 210 may further include an errorcorrection module that provides CRC verification, forward errorcorrection, and/or any other type of conventional error correction tocompensate for impulse noise, line variations, etc.

The filter 238 is operably coupled to filter the outbound modulated data208. The summing module 242 subtracts the modulated data 200 via theecho cancellation module 240 from the filtered outbound modulated data208. As one of average skill in the art will appreciate, the magnitudeof the modulated data 200 will in many cases be substantially greaterthan the magnitude of the outbound modulated data 208. Thus, echocancellation is required to accurately interpret the outbound modulateddata 208.

The equalizer 244 is operably coupled to receive the output of summingmodule 242 and is programmed by the channel response determinationmodule 226 via a channel control signal 256 to equalize the magnitude ofthe signals in the frequency bins across the frequency of interest. Asone of average skill in the art will appreciate, carrier frequencieshaving lower frequencies typically have a greater magnitude whentransmitted over a distance than carrier frequencies having higherfrequencies. In addition, environmental conditions cause variations inthe performance of the powerlines such that such frequency bins may havevarying amplitudes. Accordingly, the equalizer 244 is programmed basedon the channel response determination module to equalize the energieswithin the frequency bins across the frequencies of interest. Thechannel response determination module 226 determines the channel controlsignal 256 for the equalizer based on the processing of the testpatterns 230 when received via the demodulation module 210.

The ranging module 246 is programmed via the channel responsedetermination module 226 via the channel control signal 256 to accountfor impedance variations of the loading on the powerline.

The multipath module 248 is operably coupled to receive the output ofthe ranging module 246 to provide for compensation for multipath errorson the powerlines. The level of error correction is based on a channelcontrol signal 256 as determined by the channel response determinationmodule 226. As one of average skill in the art will appreciate, thedemodulation module 210 may include one or more of the equalizer,ranging module 246 and multipath module 248. If the demodulation module210 includes each of these elements, the control channel signal 256 willinclude separate signaling for each of these modules such that eachmodule may be separately programmed. The correction for multipath error,ranging, and equalization of signals is known, thus no furtherdiscussion will be presented except to facilitate the understanding ofthe present invention. As one of average skill in the art will furtherappreciate, the powerlines may be pre-tested (i.e., prior to theinstallation of the powerline node and associated powerline gateways),using a device that includes the channel response module 226, theequalizer 244, the ranging module 246, and/or the multi-path module 248.By pre-testing the response of the powerlines, the elements of thepowerline node and powerline gateways may be tuned to provide morereliable initial operation.

The analog to digital converter 250 receives the output of the multipathmodule 248 and produces a digital representation thereof. The digitalrepresentation is provided to the channel response determination module226 and to demodulator 252. The demodulator 252 demodulates the digitalsignal based on a demodulation protocol, which corresponds to themodulation protocol utilized to produce the modulated data 200, toretrieve the data. The demodulated data is provided to the demappingmodule 254, which, based on the channel response 222, produces theretrieved local area network data 212.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a graphical representation of the operation ofthe circuit of FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 8, a test pattern 230 isgenerated to include a series of bits, which may be representative of apulse tone similar to the training sequences used in DSL modem-centraloffice interaction. The mapping module 220, based on the channelresponse 222, produces processed data 198. In essence, the mappingmodule 220 maps the data of the test pattern 230 into test symbolsidentified by test symbol 1, test symbol 2, through test symbol n. Thetest symbols may be formatted in accordance with frame relaytransmissions, packetized transmissions, and/or label switching packets.

The processed data 198 is modulated into an analog signal via themodulation module 194. The modulated data 200 is shown in the timedomain for a single carrier frequency. If the modulation scheme utilizesa plurality of frequency bins, each frequency bin would have its ownanalog signal having a unique frequency. This is shown as the timedomain representation of the modulated data 200. The modulated data 200is also shown in the frequency domain. The 1^(st) representation of thefrequency domain illustrates the modulated data 200 spanning a multitudeof frequencies (e.g., 1 MHz to 10 MHz). The range of frequenciesincludes a plurality of frequency bins for transporting the processeddata 198 once modulated. Conversely, if the modulation schemeincorporates a single carrier frequency, the frequency domainrepresentation of the modulated data 200 is shown in the right portionof the figure. As one of average skill in the art will appreciate, ifthe mapping module processes the received inbound local area networkdata 196, the processed data 198 will include symbols representing theinbound local area network data 196 as opposed to the test symbolsrepresenting the test pattern 230. The representation of the modulateddata in the time and frequency domain will be similar.

In the test mode, the plurality of powerline gateways may echo back thetest patterns received from the powerline node, or may generate theirown test patterns to transmit to the powerline node. In eithersituation, the demodulation module 210 receives the outbound modulateddata 208. The outbound modulated data 208 is shown in both the time andfrequency domains. As shown in the time domain, the triangular waveformof the modulated data 200 has been distorted into a triangle-like shapesignal due to distortion caused by the characteristics of the powerline.The frequency domain representation of the modulated data 208 has theamplitude, or available bits per carrier frequency, vary with respect tothe frequency. If the modulation, and corresponding demodulationtechnique utilizes a single carrier frequency, the frequency domainrepresentation of the output modulated data 208 would appear on theright and have some corresponding phase shifting.

The channel response determination module 226 receives the outboundmodulated data 208 via the analog to digital converter. Based on thedifference between the modulated data 200 and the received outboundmodulated data 208 during the test condition, the channel responsedetermination module 206 generates the channel control signal 256 forthe equalizer 244, the ranging module 246 and/or the multipath module248. In addition, the channel response determination module 226, basedon the frequency domain of the output modulated data, generates thechannel response information 222 that is used by the mapping module 220.For instance, as shown in FIG. 8 with respect to the frequency domainrepresentation of the outbound modulated data 208, the amplitude of thesignal drops dramatically as the frequency increases such that the bitcapacity with bins in that frequency range may be unusable. As such, thechannel response information provided to mapping module 220 wouldindicate that the bins in this frequency range would not carry data orwould carry a minimal amount of data.

FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of the demodulation module 210 after theequalizer 244, ranging module 246, and multipath module 248 have beenprogrammed via the channel response determination module 226. As shownat the top of FIG. 9, the received outbound modulated data in thefrequency domain is represented. Based on this information, the channelresponse determination module 226 determines the response 260 of theequalizer 244. This is shown in the frequency domain. By applying theresponse 260 of equalizer 244 to the received outbound modulated data208, the output 262 of equalizer 244, in the frequency domain, is morelinear. This is represented as the output 262 of equalizer 244. If themodulation and corresponding demodulation scheme utilizes a singlecarrier frequency, the output 262 of equalizer 244 is shown in the timedomain. In this example, the output of equalizer 262 is morerepresentative of a triangular waveform, which corresponds to themodulated data 200. Note that the ranging module 246 adjusts thereflected impedance of the demodulation module 210 based on theimpedance of the powerline.

The multipath module 248 corrects for multipath error, which distortsthe signal. As such, the multipath modulator 248 corrects for phaseshifting irregularities and distortion due to multipath error. Thesingle carrier time domain representation of the output of multipathmodule 248 is shown as output 264. The analog signals, or signals of themodulated data 208, after being processed by the equalizer 244, theranging module 246 and/or the multipath module 248, are converted into adigital signal via the analog to digital converter 250. The demodulator252 demodulates the digital signals to produce the demodulated data 210.The demodulated data is represented by symbols 1, 2, 3, et cetera. Thedemapping module 254 receives the demodulated data 210 represented bysymbols to produce the retrieved local area network data 212.

FIG. 10 illustrates a graphical representation of the powerline gateways64, 66, 72, 74, 80, 82, 88 or 90. The gateway includes a powerlinegateway inbound section 168, a powerline gateway outbound section 170, asplitter 166, Tx and Rx power amplifiers 164T and 164R, and an ACcoupling module 162. The powerline gateway inbound section 168 includesa receiving module 272, a data processing module 274, and a modulationmodule 276. The receiving module 272, which may be an electricalinterface, an optical to electrical interface, and/or a buffer, receivesthe user inbound data 144 or 148 via a user communication path 270. Theuser communication path may be an in-home system, phone lines, Ethernetconnection, direct connect, wireless connection, and/or any mechanismwithin a home to couple data to a device outside of the home.

The data processing module 274 receives the inbound user data 278 andprocesses it in accordance with the desired communication convention toproduce the processed data 280. The desired communication conventioncorresponds with the convention utilized within the local area networksuch as frame relay, ATM packets, packetizing data, time divisionmultiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, CSMA, CSMA with collisionavoidance, CSMA with collision detection, encryption, and/or buffering.

The modulation module 276 receives the processed data 280 and producestherefrom modulated data 282. The modulation module 276 utilizes amodulation protocol to produce the modulation data. The modulationprotocol is as previously discussed which may be, but is not limited to,amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, frequency shift keying,phase shift keying, quadrature amplitude modulation, discrete multi-tonemodulation, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, spread spectrumencoding, and/or any other technique for modulating data on a carrierfrequency or a plurality of carrier frequencies.

The splitter 166 receives the modulated data 282 and provides it to thetransmit power amplifying 164T. The power amplifier 164T produces adifferential output that is provided to the AC coupling module 162. TheAC coupling module 162 includes a pair of high voltage capacitors thatprovide AC coupling of the output of the power amplifier 164T topowerlines 42, 44, 46 or 48.

In addition, the AC coupling module 162 provides AC coupling ofmodulated data on powerlines 42, 44, 46 and 48 to the inputs of thereceive power amplifier 164R. The differential output of received poweramplifier 164R is provided to splitter 166. The splitter 166 providesthe received outbound modulated data 284 to the powerline gatewayoutbound section 170.

The powerline gateway outbound section 170 includes a demodulationmodule 286, a data processing module 290, and a transmitting module 292.The demodulation module 286 receives the received outbound modulateddata 284 and demodulates it based on the modulation/demodulationprotocol. The data processing module 290 receives the demodulated data294 and processes it in accordance with the desired communicationconvention to produce retrieved user data 296. The transmitting module292 provides the retrieved user data 296 as user outbound data 146 or150 to the user via the user communication path 270.

FIG. 11 illustrates a more detailed schematic block diagram of thepowerline gateway inbound section 168 and powerline gateway outboundsection 170 of FIG. 10. As shown, the data processing module 274includes a multiplexor 301 and a formatting module 300. The multiplexor301 is operably coupled to receive either received inbound user data 278or test pattern data 279. The selection is based on an input receivedvia the channel response module 326. The channel response module 326functions in a similar manner as the channel determination module 226 ofFIG. 7. In normal mode, the multiplexor 301 outputs the received inbounduser data 278. In test mode, (i.e., in a mode to determine thecharacteristics of the powerlines) the multiplexor 301 outputs the testpatterns 279.

The formatting module 300 is operably coupled to receive the output ofmultiplexor 301 and format the data to produce processed data 280. Theformatting of the data is in accordance with the communicationconvention used within the local area network. For example, theformatting may be packetizing the data, placing the data in acorresponding time frame, and/or any other communication convention forrelaying data via a switching fabric.

The modulation module 276 includes a modulator 302, a digital to analogconverter 304 and a filter 306. The modulator 302 is operably coupled toreceive the processed data 280 and produce therefrom modulated data. Thedigital to analog converter 304 converts the modulated data into ananalog signal that is filtered and outputted as the modulated data 282.

The demodulation module 286 includes a filter 308, an echo cancellationmodule 310, a summing module 312, an equalizer 314, a ranging module316, a multipath module 318, an analog to digital converter 320, and ademodulator 322. The functionality of these elements, as well as thefunctionality of the channel response module 326, is similar to thefunctionality of corresponding elements of the demodulation module 210as shown in FIG. 7. While the functionalities are similar, eachpowerline gateway will determine its own channel responsecharacteristics to provide the necessary equalization for equalizer 314as well as separate multipath error correction and ranging functions.

The data processing module 290 includes a deformatting module 324 thatdeformats the data to produce the retrieved user data 296. Thedeformatting used by deformatting module 324 is the inverse of theprotocol used by formatting module 300.

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the powerline node 112of FIG. 5. The powerline node 112 includes a powerline node inboundsection 158, a powerline gateway 116, a powerline node outbound section160, splitter 156, transmit and receive power amplifiers 154T and 154R,and an AC coupling module 152. The functionality of splitter 156, poweramplifiers 154 and AC coupling module 152 are as previously described.

The powerline node inbound section 158 includes a receiving module 190,data processing module 330, and modulation module 194. The receivingmodule 190 and the modulation module 194 functions in a similar manneras the same reference numbered modules of FIG. 6. The data processingmodule 330 is included within the powerline node inbound section 158 aswell as within the powerline gateway 116. In operation, the dataprocessing module 330 will identify the user inbound data 144 containedwithin the inbound local area network data 140. When the data processingmodule 330 recognizes the user inbound data 144, it provides the data tothe transmitting module 292. As such, the user inbound data 144 is notmodulated nor is it propagated onto the powerlines. The remainder of theinbound local area network data 140 is processed to produce theprocessed data 198 and propagated via the modulation module 194,splitter 156, power amplifier 154T and AC coupling module 152 onto thepowerlines.

The powerline node outbound section 160 includes a demodulation module202, a data processing module 332, and a transmitting module 206. Thetransmitting module 206 and demodulation module perform in a similarfashion as like referenced elements of FIG. 6. The data processingmodule 332 is operably coupled to receive demodulated data 210 via thedemodulation module 202 and user outbound data 146 via the receivingmodule 272. The data processing module 332 processes the user outbounddata 146 and the demodulated data 210 to produce retrieved local areanetwork data 212. The retrieved local area network data 212 is outputtedvia transmitting module 206 as output local area network data 142.

The transmitting module 292 and receiving module 272 communicate via theuser communication path 270 with the affiliated user of the powerlinenode 112. As one of average skill in the art will appreciate, byincorporating the powerline node 112 as shown in FIG. 12, the powerlinenode 112 may be mounted at the home of a user. As such, fiber, or otherhigh-speed communication path, is routed to one individual home within alocal area network, or neighborhood, where the powerline node 112provides the conduit for high-speed communications for other homeswithin the neighborhood via the powerlines without the need forinstallation of high-speed communication paths to each of the homes inthe local area network. Since a substantial portion of the cost ofinstalling a communication system is the equipment of the last 100 feet,the powerline node and powerline gateways of the present inventionsubstantially reduce the cost of bringing broadband communications tousers that already have electricity.

FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a distributed powerlinebase communication system. The powerline base communication systemincludes a communication network 340, a utility network 342, a centraloffice 352, a plurality of powerline termination modules 16 and 354, aplurality of powerline nodes 34, 22, 24 and 36, a plurality of localdistribution transformers 18, 20, 30 and 32, and a plurality ofpowerline gateways 64, 66, 72, 74, 80, 82, 88 and 90. In thisconfiguration, the powerline nodes 22, 24, 36, 34 and 36 are coupled viaa high-speed communication path to the communication network 340 and/orthe utility network 342. The communication network 340 may be theInternet, wide area network, wireless communication system, publicswitch telephone network, Ethernet network, and/or any other type ofnetworking system.

The utility network 342 is a communication network private to a utilitycompany or power company used to communicate with substations, localdistribution transformers, and other nodes within a power systemthroughout a geographic region. The central office 352 coordinates thecommunication throughout the communication system of FIG. 13. Each ofthe powerline termination modules 16 and 354 supports a portion of thesystem of FIG. 13.

Each of the powerline nodes includes a processing module 344 and memory346. The processing module 344 may be a single processing device or aplurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be amicroprocessor, micro controller, digital signal processor, statemachine, logic circuitry, programmable gate array, analog circuitry,and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog or digital) based onoperational instructions. The memory 346 may be a single memory deviceor a plurality of memory devices. Such a memory device may be a readonly memory, random access memory, re-programmable memory, systemmemory, magnetic tape memory, and/or any device that stores digitalinformation. Note that when the processing module implements one or moreof its functions via a state machine, logic circuitry, and/or analogcircuitry, the memory storing the corresponding instructions is embeddedwithin the circuitry comprising the state machine, logic circuitry,and/or analog circuitry. The operational instructions stored in memory346 and performed by processing module 344 are discussed in greaterdetail with reference to FIGS. 18 through 20.

Each of the powerline gateways includes a processing module 348 andmemory 350. The processing module 348 may be a single processing deviceor a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be amicroprocessor, micro controller, digital signal processor, statemachine, logic circuitry, programmable gate array, analog circuitry,and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog or digital) based onoperational instructions. The memory 350 may be a single memory deviceor a plurality of memory devices. Such a memory device may be a readonly memory, random access memory, re-programmable memory, systemmemory, magnetic tape memory, and/or any device that stores digitalinformation. Note that when the processing module implements one or moreof its functions via a state machine, logic circuitry, and/or analogcircuitry, the memory storing the corresponding instructions is embeddedwithin the circuitry comprising the state machine, logic circuitry,and/or analog circuitry. The operational instructions stored in memory350 and performed by processing module 348 are discussed in greaterdetail with reference to FIGS. 18 through 20.

As configured, a powerline node may have a high-speed communication pathto the communication network 340 and/or to the utility network 342. Inthis manner, the powerline termination module 16 and/or 354 coordinatesthe communication via local area networks utilizing networks 340 and/or342.

FIG. 14 illustrates a graphical representation of processing of inboundlocal area network data 140 when the data is formatted in accordancewith frame based data, such as FDMA, TDMA, et cetera. As shown, theinbound local area network data 140 includes frame sync information anddata within a frame. The powerline node 34 receives the inbound localarea network data 140 via the high-speed communication path 50. Thepowerline node 34 identifies the users, and/or addressees, within theframe of information based on time slot allocations within the frame.Having identified each user and its corresponding data, the powerlinenode 34 uniquely encodes the data based on the users individual encodingand/or encryption mechanism. The data is then time and/or frequencydivision multiplexed and transmitted as modulated data 200 via thepowerlines 46 to the powerline gateways 66 and 64. The modulated datawill have a varying bit per carrier ratio over the frequency range ofinterest. This is illustrated as the modulated data 200.

Each of the gateways 64 and 66 will demodulate the modulated data 200and identify its corresponding timeslot for its respective user. Havingdone this, the data is decoded and/or decrypted based on the individualencoding and/or encryption of the individual user to retrieve the datacontained within the user's timeslot or slots. Such data is thenpresented as user outbound data 146 or 150 to the respective user.

FIG. 15 illustrates a graphical representation of processing outboundlocal area network data 142 by powerline node 34. As shown, the outboundlocal area network data 142 is organized as frames of data. Each frameis separated by frame syncing information such that the alignment offrames can be readily obtained to ensure proper transmission of data.The outbound local area network data 142 is transmitted via thehigh-speed communication path 50. In this example, each of the powerlinegateway 64 and 66 receive user inbound data 144 or 148. The user inbounddata is encoded utilizing a unique encoding and/or encryption scheme forthe individual users. The encrypted data is then placed in acorresponding timeslot or slots for the individual user and the data ismodulated to produce the modulated data 200. In one embodiment, eachpowerline gateway 66 may have a corresponding frequency bin or pluralityof frequency bins to provide its modulated data to the powerline node34. Alternatively, each of the powerline gateways 64 will transmit itsdata in a particular time increment utilizing the entire frequencyspectrum allocated for demodulated data 200.

The powerline node 34 identifies the users by the carrier frequencies,and/or the time of the data being received. The data is then decodedutilizing the unique decoding scheme and/or decryption scheme for theindividual users. The user data is then placed into frames according totimeslot allocations and provided as the output local area network data142.

FIG. 16 illustrates a graphical representation of the powerline node 34processing inbound local area network data 140 when the data 140 ispacketized data. In this example, the powerline node 34 receives thepackets of data via the high-speed communication path 50 usingorthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). The powerline node 34separates the packets to identify the individual addressees of the data.Utilizing a unique encoding and/or encryption scheme for each user, theseparated data is encoded. The encoded packet for each user is thentagged and modulated. The modulated data 200 is provided on powerlines46 to powerline gateways 64 and 66.

Each of the powerline gateways 64 and 66 demodulates the receivedmodulated data 200 to retrieve the packets of data. The packets of dataare then identified to determine whether they are addressed for theindividual user associated with the powerline gateway. If so, thecorresponding data packets are decoded and/or decrypted to retrieve theuser outbound data 146 or 150.

FIG. 17 illustrates a graphical representation of producing outboundlocal area network data 142 in a packetized format. In thisillustration, each of the powerline gateways 64 and 66 receive userinbound data 144 or 148 via its corresponding user. Each powerlinegateway 64 encodes the corresponding data, packetizes it and thenmodulates it onto powerlines 46. The transmission of the modulated dataonto the powerlines 46 may be done in a CSMA manner, and/or timeallocated manner.

The powerline node 34 receives the outbound modulated data 208 andidentifies the particular users. Having identified the particular users,the data is decoded and/or decrypted based on the individual encodingand/or encryption scheme for the corresponding user. The data for thelocal area network is then packetized and placed on the high-speedcommunication path 50 as the outbound local area network data 142.

FIG. 18 illustrates a logic diagram of a method for providing broadbandcommunication over powerlines. The process begins at Step 360 where datathat is associated with at least one user of a plurality of users in anarea network (e.g., wide area network or local area network) isreceived. The data may be received in a variety of manners, which willbe subsequently described. The process then proceeds to Step 362 wherethe data is processed based on a desired communication convention toproduce process data. The desired communication convention may be timedivision multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, carrier sensemultiple access, CSMA with collision avoidance, CSMA with collisiondetection, encryption, buffering, frame relay processing, ATMpacketizing, and/or any other type of framing of data and/or packetizingof data. A more detailed discussion of the processing of the data inaccordance with the desired communication convention will besubsequently described.

The process then proceeds to Step 364 where the processed data ismodulated based on a modulation protocol. The modulation protocol may beamplitude modulation, frequency modulation, frequency shift keying,phase shift keying, quadrature amplitude modulation, discrete multi-tonemodulation, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, and/or spreadspectrum modulation. The process then proceeds to Step 366 where themodulated data is AC coupled to the powerlines servicing the areanetwork. This was graphically illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1through 7.

The receiving of data may be done in a variety of ways. For instance, atStep 370, the data may be received in packets via a high-speedcommunication path that is coupled to a communication network. When thedata is received in this manner, the processing of the data correspondsto Steps 372 through Step 376. At Step 372, the data is logicallyseparated based on addresses of the plurality of users to produceseparated packets of data. The process then proceeds to Step 374 wherethe separate packets of data are encoded based on a correspondingencoding process of the user. Note that each user of the local areanetwork has an individual encoding scheme and/or encryption scheme. Assuch, even though the data is placed on a shared communication path,only the addressed user may receive it since only the addressed user hasthe corresponding encryption/decryption and/or encoding/decoding scheme.The process then proceeds to Step 376 where the encoded packets aretagged in accordance with CSMA, CSMA with collision avoidance, and/orCSMA with collision detection.

As an alternate mechanism for receiving the data, the data may bereceived as shown at Step 368 where it is received via a utilitynetwork. The utility network couples a plurality of substations to acontrol center. In this coupling, and reception of data, the data isrelatively low speed to provide the control central office with remotemetering, enabling/disabling of electronic devices within a home, and/orother functions to control the transient use of power within a givenarea supported by a local distribution transformer and/or substation.

As a further alternate mechanism for receiving the data, the data may bereceived as shown at Step 378 where it is received in frames via ahigh-speed communication path coupled to a communication network. If thedata is received in this manner, the processing is done as shown in Step380. At Step 380, the data is multiplexed within the frames based ondivision multiplexing (e.g., time division multiplexing and/or frequencydivision multiplexing) of the frames among the plurality of users. Thiswas graphically illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 19 illustrates a logic diagram of further processing options of thedata of Step 362 of FIG. 18. Each of these paths provides alternateand/or cumulative processing of the data. At Step 390, the data may bebuffered. At Step 392, the data may be encrypted based on an encryptionprotocol that is unique to each user within the system. At Step 394,local data may be identified wherein the local data addresses a useraffiliated with the powerline node. The process then proceeds to Step396 where the local data is routed to the local user without furtherprocessing.

At Step 398, the processing may include determining the channel responseof the powerlines over a frequency range of interest. For example, ifthe data is being transmitted via a plurality of carrier frequencies inthe range of 100 kilohertz to 5 megahertz, the channel response in thisfrequency range is of interest. The process then proceeds to one or moreof Steps 400 through 404. At Step 400, the data is mapped into frequencybins based on the channel response of the powerlines. At Step 402,variations in the line impedance of the powerlines are compensated forbased on the response of the powerlines. At Step 404, multipath errorsare compensated for of the powerline in response to determining thepowerline frequency performance response.

FIG. 20 illustrates a logic diagram of a method for providing broadbandcommunications over powerlines. The process begins at Step 410 whereoutbound modulated data is received via AC coupling to powerlines of alocal transformer. The process then proceeds to Step 412 where thereceived outbound modulated data is demodulated based on a demodulationprotocol. The particular demodulation protocol will be the inverse ofthe modulation protocol used to modulate the data. The process thenproceeds to Step 414 where the demodulated data is processed based onthe desired communication convention. The processing of the data will befurther discussed with reference to Steps 424 through 436. The processthen proceeds to Step 416 where the retrieved data is provided to acommunication path. The providing of the retrieved data will be furtherdiscussed with reference to Steps 418 through 422.

The providing of the retrieved data may include one or more of theprocessing steps shown in Steps 418 through 422. At Step 418, theretrieved data is provided in frames via a high-speed communication pathto a communication network. At Step 420, the retrieved data is providedin packets via a high-speed communication path to a communicationnetwork. At Step 422, the retrieved data is provided via a communicationpath to a utility network that couples a plurality of substations to acontrol center. Alternately, the retrieved data may be user data and isprovided to a user via a user communication path.

The processing of the demodulated data may be done utilizing one or moreof the steps represented by Steps 424 through 436. At Step 424, localdata of the demodulated data is identified based on the address of alocal user of the plurality of users. Once the local data is identified,the process proceeds to Step 426 where the local data is routed to thelocal user via a local communication path.

At Step 428, the demodulated data may be decrypted based on a decryptionprotocol of the at least one user wherein the decryption protocolcorresponds to the modulation protocol. At Step 430, the demodulateddata may be buffered for controlling the timing of processing the data.At Step 432, the demodulated data may be processed to compensate formultipath errors of the powerlines.

At Step 434, the demodulated data may be demultiplexed within the framesbased on division demultiplexing (time and/or frequency) of the framesamongst the plurality of users. At Step 436, the demodulated data may bedemapped from the frequency bins based on a channel response of thepowerlines.

FIG. 21 is a system diagram illustrating a load management systemconstructed according to the present invention. The structure of theload management system shares to great extent the structure of the highspeed communication network in such operation as was previouslydescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 through 20. Thus, any differences interminology used with reference to FIG. 21 or FIGS. 22 through 38 ismade to distinguish the overall functions provided by the loadmanagement system and should not limit the scope of the load managementsystem.

The load management system includes a utility communication network2102, a load management control center 2106, a plurality of powermanagement termination systems 2122A through 2122C, a plurality of powerline nodes 2124A through 2124,F and a plurality of load managementdevices (each referred to as a LMD). The power management system mayalso include a network control center/system operation control center2104 and a firewall 2108. The firewall 2108 provides access to theutility communication network 2102 via the Internet or any of a numberof other computer networks 2110. These other computer networks 2110 maycouple to wireless networks 2116 or other computer networks. In suchcase, these computer networks 2110 and wireless networks 2116 allowaccess to the load management system by subscriber computers 2112, 2114,2118, and 2120.

The LMDs are controlled by the load management control center 2106 viathe PMTSs 2122A through 2122C, the PLNs 2124A through 2124F, andcoupling power line carrier local area networks 2126A through 2126F. ThePMTSs 2122A through 2122C are similar in structure to the power linetermination modules, e.g., power line termination module 16 describeswith reference to FIG. 1.

The PMTSs 2122A through 2122C provide an immediate interface to theutility communication network 2102. The power line nodes 2124A through2124F couple to power lines of the utility network. The power linestherefore provide the physical medium for the power line carrier localarea networks 2126A through 2126F. The manner in which the power linesserve as physical media for the communications between the power linenodes 2124A through 2124F and LMDs is similar to the manner describedwith reference to FIGS. 1 through 20 for providing communicationservices. However, the bandwidth required by the power management systemis typically less than that required by the high speed communicationusage described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 20. Therefore,different modulation schemes, coding schemes, addressing schemes, etc.may be used with the power management system as contrasted to those usedwith the communication network.

According to a first aspect of the load management system of the presentinvention, each of the LMDs controls one or more electrical loads of theutility network. Each of these LMDs may be individually addressed by theload management control center and/or the PMTSs 2122A through 2122C.Further, these LMDs may be addressed in groups. Group addressing of LMDsallows the utility company to direct a plurality of LMDs to disconnectloads from the utility network using a broadcast command. Suchoperations are particularly useful for load shedding that is performedin response to the loss of generating capacity. However, such loadcontrol may also be performed to reduce load in other operatingsituations.

The individual addressability of the LMDs may be further employed forother important utility system operations. Subscribers to utility systemload management system may desire to individually control loads withintheir particular businesses or homes. The load management system of thepresent invention allows a subscriber to access the load managementsystem via a customer computer, e.g., customer computer 2114. Using thecomputer 2114 to access the load management control center 2106, thesubscriber may control a LMD in his or her home. In such case, thesubscriber may enable or disable loads controlled by such LMDs.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the loadmanagement system may be employed to disconnect a home from the utilitygrid. This operation may be desirable when a customer fails to pay hisor her utility bill. Alternatively, this operation may be desirable whena subscriber requests a temporary disconnection of service, for example,when the subscriber goes on a vacation or has an extended absence fromhis or her home. These and other operations are supported by the loadmanagement system of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a partial system diagram illustrating the manner in which aplurality of LMDs is accessed. As is shown in FIG. 22, utilitycommunication network 2102 couples to a PMTS 2204. The PMTS 2204 couplesto three PLNs 2206A, 2206B, and 2206C. These PLNs 2206A, 2206B, and2206C couple to the A, B, and C phases serviced on a distribution sideof a substation distribution transformer 2210. Each phase of thesubstation distribution transformer 2210 services a plurality ofsubscriber loads. For example, in one embodiment, each of the phases,phase A, phase B, and phase C services a plurality of homes, a pluralityof businesses, a plurality of stores, etc. Some of the loads serviced byeach of the phases of the substation distribution transformer 2210 aremanaged by corresponding LMDs.

The load management system of the present invention controls each ofthese LMDs via one of three communication paths, each of thecommunication paths serviced by a particular PLN 2206A, 2206B, and2206C. Each of the PLNs 2206A, 2206B, and 2206C uniquely addresses eachof the LMDs coupled to the corresponding phase. Thus, in the example,each of the phases corresponds to a particular PLC-LAN. In order toprevent backfeeding of the signals corresponding to the PLC-LAN via thedistribution transformer 2210, a plurality of signal shunts 2208 arecoupled to the phases of the substation distribution transformer 2210.These signal shunts 2208 prevent backfeed of signals from the PLNs2206A, 2206B, and 2206C onto other phases of the substation distributiontransformer 2210.

In this particular architecture, the PMTS 2204 works to distributesignals to the PLNs 2206A through 2206C and to aggregate returningsignals. Based upon one particular embodiment of this architecture,different addressing schemes may be employed by the PLNs 2206A, 2206B,and 2206C to minimize the complexity and addressing the LMDs. While acomplex addressing scheme may be required to uniquely identify each LMDof the load management center 2106, e.g., IP addressing, a reduction inaddressing overhead may be initiated and controlled by the PMTS 2204 andthe PLNs 2206A, 2206B, and 2206C using a less complicated addressingscheme. In such case, the PMTS 2204 may include address translationtables that allow for the load management center 2106 to address eachLMDs in a more complex scheme than that is employed by the PLNs 2206Athrough 2206C.

In controlling the LMDs, a fairly simplistic set of commands and signalsis used to query the status of the particular LMDs, receive responsesfrom LMDS, and to issue controls to the LMDs. Because these particularcommands and responses are reasonably simple, they require comparablylesser bandwidth than that which would be provided by the communicationsystems described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 20. Thus, thedevices of FIG. 22 may employ lesser bandwidth communication operations.For example, while the high speed data networking application of FIGS. 1through 20 may require complex modulation schemes and less noisetolerant solutions, the load management system may employ less complexmodulation schemes and may be more noise tolerant.

FIG. 23 is a system diagram illustrating an alternate construction of aload management system according to the present invention. As contrastedto the structure of FIG. 22, the structure of FIG. 23 couples signals tophases A, B and C serviced by distribution transformer 2210. In suchcase, PLN 2304 and PMTS 2302 couple signals to phase C of thedistribution transformer 2210 and coupling capacitors 2306A and 2306Bcouple the signals to phases B and C. While the sharing of signals amongthe three phases reduces the number of LMDs that are controllable in theparticular installation, only a signal PLN 2304 is required to couplesignals that control all of the LMDs. With the PLN 2304 coupling thesignal of interest to phase C on the low side of the distributiontransformer 2210, shunt capacitors 2308A, 2308B, and 2308C may berequired to prevent back feeding of the load management systems signalsto the high side of the substation distribution transformer.

In an alternate embodiment of this particular structure, the PLN 2310(indicated with dotted lines) couples signals to the high voltage sideof the substation distribution transformer 2210. In such case, theimpedance of substation distribution transformer 2210 to the signalsproduced by the PLN 2310 and the LMDs is relatively small. Thus, suchcommunication signals will pass through the substation distributiontransformer 2210 substantially unattenuated by the substationdistribution transformer 2210 and will be coupled to each of the threephases.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a carrier class power managementsystem device providing the functionality of a PMTS and a plurality ofPLNs. The carrier class device 2402 includes a processor 2404, memory2406, and a peripheral interface 2408, each of which couples via aprocessor bus 2418. The peripheral interface 2408 couples to storagedevice 2416, a network interface 2412, and a plurality of PLNs 2410Athrough 2410G. Each PLN 2410A through 2410G supports a correspondingpower line carrier local area network 2422A through 2422G. Coupled toeach of these power line carrier local area networks 2422A through 2422Gis a plurality of LMDs.

The utility communication network 2102 couples to the carrier classdevice 2402 via the network interface 2412. The carrier class device2402 also includes an uninterruptible power supply 2412 and a batterybackup 2414. The uninterruptible power supply 2412 and the batterybackup 2414 may be housed in a single unit and, in combination, providethe carrier class device 2402 with power during power supplyinterruption.

FIG. 25 is a partial system diagram illustrating the combination of apower load management system and a high speed communication systemservicing a plurality of subscribers coupled to a utility network. As isshown in FIG. 25, utility communication network 2102 couples to a PMTS2502 and a plurality of combined power line termination modules(PTMs)/power line nodes (PLNs) 2508A, 2508B, 2508C. The PMTS 2502couples to PLN 2504, which couples to a high side of a substationdistribution transformer 2210. The PMTS 2502 and PLN 2504 couple powerload management communication signals to the high voltage side of thesubstation distribution transformer 2210. Shunt capacitance 2506 may beemployed to prevent back feed of the power load management signals ontoother substation distribution transformers. The power load managementsignals coupled to the high side of distribution transformer 2210 arecoupled to the low side by the transformed 2210 and carried by thedistribution lines to LMDs (not shown).

Substation distribution transformer 2210 serves phases A, B, and C.Coupled to phase A is a local transformer 2510A, which reduces thedistribution voltage from a higher level such as 25 kilovolts to a lowerlevel such as 480 volts. The low side of local transformer 2510Aservices a power line carrier local area network 2512A, which isserviced by PTM/PLN 2508A. High speed communication signals are coupledto the low side of local transformer 2510A by the PTM/PLN 2508A. Thus,subscribers coupled to PLC-LAN 2512A receive high speed communicationsvia the PTM/PLN 2508A in a manner described with reference to FIGS.1–20. Similarly, local transformers 2510B and 2510C are serviced byPTM/PLN 2508B and 2508C. In such case, PLC-LANs 2512B and 2512C servicehigh speed communications and power load management operations for aplurality of subscribers coupled thereto.

Signal blocking shunts 2514A, 2514B, and 2514C may be required toprevent the backfeed of high speed communication signals to the highside of local transformers 2510A, 2510B, and 2510C, respectively. As isgenerally known, local transformers 2510A, 2510B, and 2510C may providehigh impedance, medium impedance, or low impedance to communicationsignals in the bands of interest for the high speed communicationnetwork. When such local transformers 2510A, 2510B, and 2510C providegood band-pass in these signals of interest, the shunts 2514A, 2514B,and 2514C are required to prevent the back feed of high speedcommunication signals amongst the phases, phase A, phase B, and phase C.

Power factor correction capacitors 2516 may be coupled to thedistribution phases, phase A, phase B, and/or phase C to assist inkeeping voltages at desired levels on the distribution lines. Because insome cases these power factor correction transformers 2516 may provide alow impedance path to ground for communication and/or power loadmanagement signals within bands of interest, a series filter 2518 may beemployed to preclude the shunting of such signals of interest to groundvia the power factor correction transformers 2516. However, as isappreciated, some power factor correction transformers may have highimpedance characteristics for the signal bands of interest employed withthe power load management in high speed communication networking signalsof the present invention, the 1 kilohertz through 30 kilohertz frequencybands. In such case, the series filter 2518 would not be required.

FIG. 26 is a graph illustrating the various bands that may be employedto service power load management communications and high data ratecommunications. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical axiscorresponds to bit rate per carrier 2604. Further, the horizontal axiscorresponds to frequency. In such case, a low bit rate band 2606 isshown to carry a particular number of bit rate per carrier for users 1through M. The low bit rate band is used for servicing power loadmanagement operations according to the present invention.

The high bit rate band 2608 is employed to service high data ratecommunication services as was described with reference to FIGS. 1through 20. As is shown, the bit rate for communication users 1 throughN is greater for the high data rate band 2608. Such is the case becauseof the relatively higher throughput requirements for the high data rateband 2608. As was previously described, power load management operationsrequire less bandwidth than do the high data rate communicationrequirements, both of which are serviced via the power line carriers.

FIG. 27 is a partial system diagram illustrating the manner in whichpower load management signals are coupled to a substation distributiontransformer via its neutral conductor. As is shown, the utilitycommunication network 2102 couples to a PMTS/PTN 2714. PLN 2712 couplesto PMTS/PTN 2714 and also couples to the neutral lead of the highvoltage side of the substation distribution transformer 2710. Becausesufficient coupling in the bands of interest exists between the neutralconductor and the A, B, and C phases on the high voltage side of thesubstation distribution transformer 2710, the load managementcommunication signals and high data rate communication signals may besimply coupled to the neutral conductor on the high voltage side of thesubstation distribution transformer 2710. Because of the couplingbetween the neutral and the phases in the communication bands ofinterest, the signals are effectively coupled to each of the threephases A, B, and C of the transformer.

As is shown, on the distribution voltage side of the substationdistribution transformer 2710, a three power line carrier local areanetworks 2716A, 2716B, and 2716C are formed by these signals coupled byPLN 2712 to the neutral conductor on the high side of the substationdistribution transformer 2710.

In another embodiment, sufficient coupling may not exist between theneutral conductor of the substation distribution transformer 2710 andthe three phases of the distribution voltage side, phase A, phase B, andphase C. In such case, capacitive coupling between the neutral conductorand the three phase conductors may be required to couple thecommunication and power load management signals to the A, B, and Cphases. Such capacitive coupling is shown as optional capacitors 2720A,2720B, and 2720C.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a loadmanagement device constructed according to the present invention. TheLMD 2802 is coupled to a 120/240-volt distribution feed and services atleast one load 2814. The LMD 2802 includes a meter 2804, which metersthe flow of energy from the distribution feed side to the servicedload(s) 2814. The LMD 2802 also includes coupling 2806 that couples acommunication interface 2808 to the distribution feed side of the LMD2802. The communication interface 2808 and meter 2804 couple to aprocessing unit with memory 2810. The processing unit with memory 2810is typically an integrated circuit that has sufficient static and/ordynamic memory to service the processing requirements of the LMD 2802.The processing unit with memory 2810 controls the operation of a switch2812 that is employed to either service or disconnect the serviced loads2814.

The communication interface 2808 and the processing unit with memory2810 support the communication requirements of the LMD 2802. The LMD2802 is individually addressable by a load management control center ofthe utility network. As was previously described, the load managementcontrol center may be controlled by a utility company or by anotherservice provider that has access to utility company's network. Thus, theload management control center may individually control the operation ofthe LMD 2802.

Coupled to the switch 2812 is an enable button that provides asubscriber with the ability to preclude reconnection of service loads2814 without consent. For example, the LMD 2802 of FIG. 28 may beemployed to disconnect the serviced load(s) 2814 upon the request ofsubscriber. Such operation may be performed when a subscriber is leavingthe home for a particular season or for an extended vacation period. Insuch case, the subscriber requests the utility company to disconnect theserviced load(s) 2814. However, instead of dispatching a service personto physically disconnect the service loads 2814 from the utility grid,the utility company initiates a disconnection via the load managementcontrol center. In response thereto, the load management control centerissues a disconnect request via its utility communication network, aPMTS, and a PLN. The PLN issues its command via the power lines coupledto the LMD 2802, which causes the LMD 2802 to open switch 2812.

When the subscriber requests that the serviced load(s) 2814 bereconnected, the enable switch 2812 provides a safety mechanism thatwill preclude powering of service loads 2814 until the subscriberactually presses the enable switch. This feature adds safety to theoperation of the LMD. With this safety feature, the customer is requiredto depress an enabling switch before the serviced load(s) 2814 are againserviced.

The LMD 2802 of FIG. 28 can may also be used as a meter for the house.In such case, the meter 2804 interacts with the processing unit andmemory 2810 to periodically respond to a metering query. During thisoperation, the processing unit with memory 2810 determines the amount ofenergy that has been used since the last metering read. The processingunit with memory 2810 then responds via the communication interface 2808and coupling 2806 to report the energy usage for the metering period bythe serviced loads 2814. The processing unit with memory 2810 may storemetering information for any length of time. Further, the processingunit with memory 2810 may perform time of day metering for the servicedload(s) 2814 during a period of interest.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a device thatprovides high speed data communication functions and load managementfunctions. The load device 2902 includes a plug 2904, which plugs into awall outlet within a serviced building. The device 2902 includes powerline gateway components and also LMD components. In one embodiment, thedevice 2902 does not include load management components but simplyincludes power plugs and power line gateway components. In anotherembodiment, the device includes power line gateway components to servicetelephone communications, computer network communications, and TVcommunications to be accessible via the device 2902. In still anotherembodiment, the device 2902 includes all of these components.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram illustrating another device that provideshigh speed communication functions and load management functions. Thedevice 3002 plugs into a wall outlet and includes power line gatewaycomponents, such as those that were previously described with referenceto FIGS. 5 through 7. These power line gateway components will providetelephone connections, high speed computer connections, and TVconnections. This device 3002 may also provide LMD functions.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram illustrating a LMD constructed according withthe present invention that interfaces with one or more smart appliances.The LMD 3102 couples to a 120/240 volt outlet and services at least onesmart appliance 3110. The LMD 3102 includes a processing unit withmemory 3104, coupling to the supply side 120/240 volt power lines 3106,a communication interface 3108 that couples to coupling 3106, and aprocessing unit with memory 3104. The communication interface 3108couples to the smart appliance 3110 via communication port 3112.

As is illustrated in FIG. 31, LMD 3102 does not include a switch thatcould be used to disconnect the smart appliance(s) 3110. In lieu of suchswitch, the communication port 3112 direct the smart appliances 3110 toadjust its power consumption level. As is generally known, smartappliances 3110 require Internet connections. Thus, according to thepresent invention, the LMD 3102 provides an Internet connection via apower line network. The communication port 3112 provides such Internetconnection for the smart appliances 3110. This Internet connection maybe a high speed interconnection or a relatively low speedinterconnection depending upon the particular requirements of the smartappliances 3110 and the corresponding subscriber.

The LMD 3102 of FIG. 31 may be employed to control the operation of homeappliances, e.g., water heaters, dishwashers, clothes washers, etc. Insuch case, the LMD 3102 would cause the home appliances to reduce theirconsumed power during peak loading periods by reducing the temperatureof water produced, reducing the amount of heating used, reducing theduration of cycles, by delaying their operation, etc. Thus, peak loadwill be reduced from the utility perspective, and from the customerperspective, usage during high loading periods (when electricity is moreexpensive) will be reduced.

The LMD 3102 of FIG. 31 may also be employed to control the operation ofHVAC systems, e.g., air conditioners, heat pumps, electrical heaters,etc. In such case, during higher loading periods, the LMD 3102 mayoverride the temperature settings, e.g., reduce the temperature settingduring winter peak loading periods, and increase the temperate settingduring summer peak loading periods. The LMD 3102 could also simply cycleout of service the HVAC system during peak loading periods when the HVACsystem is not required, e.g., when occupants are not present.

In these applications, the LMD 3102 may include a database that itaccesses for particular operating directions in response to particularloading constraints. Information contained in these databases could beemployed to override the default operation of the smart appliances, homeappliances, and HVAC system.

In another embodiment, the LMD 3102 services a surveillance system. Insuch case, the LMD 3102 provides a communication path across the coupledpowerline via a servicing PLC-LAN. With communications provided via thiscommunication path, cutting of telephone lines by an intruder would notaffect the viability of the surveillance system. Such operation wouldprovide a significant advantage over telephone line based surveillancesystems.

FIG. 32A is a block diagram illustrating the manner in which LMDsaccording to the present invention may be deployed. As is shown, ametering device 3202 may be placed on an outside panel of a home. Thismetering device 3202 will receive 120/240 volt service and will providethe functions previously described with reference to FIG. 28.Alternately, a LMD 3204 may be located within the home and may servicemanage loads 3206 and 3208. Such a LMD may be similar to the onesillustrated in FIGS. 29, 30 or 31. In any case, the structure andoperations of the present invention regarding control of the LMD 3202 or3204 are employed.

FIG. 32B is a block diagram illustrating the manner in which a LMDaccording to the present invention may be responsive to both individualaddressing and broadcast addressing. The LMD 3212 of FIG. 32B is poweredby 120/240 volt input and serves load 1, load 2, and load 3. Accordingto the present invention, the LMD 3212 may be individually addressedusing individual address 3214. However, the LMD 3212 may also beaddressed via broadcast address 3216 or broadcast address 3218. The loadshedding operations initiated by the load management system of theutility company may require that the LMD 3212 drop load 1, load 2,and/or load 3. If the first operation, in which the load managementsystem desires to know the level of load 1, load 2, and load 3, the LMD3212 is individually addressed using individual address 3214. However,in load shedding operations, when the load management system desires toload shed load 1, it may address the LMD 3212 using broadcast address3216.

In another operation when the load management system requests the LMD3212 to drop all serviced loads, the load management system addressesthe LMD 3212 via broadcast address 3218. When such addressing occurs,the LMD 3212 drops load 1, load 2, and load 3. Thus, FIG. 32B isillustrative of an embodiment in which different addressing techniquesare used for different load management operations.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating the construction of atransformer within which high speed data networking and/or power loadmanagement circuitry is contained. In such structure, a transformer case3302 houses transformer windings 3304 which transform a high voltage 60hertz signal into a distribution voltage 60 hertz signal. Thetransformer case 3302 also includes a PMTS/PTM 3308. The PMTS/PTM 3308couples to PLNs 3306, 3306B, and 3306C.

The PMTS/PTM 3308 also couples to a utility network or another highspeed network such as the Internet, a WAN, etc. 2102. In such case, atermination panel on the side of the transformer case 3302 may include afiber optic plug, a high speed networking plug, or another receptaclethat would receive a high speed network connection. Alternatively, thepanel on the side of the transformer case 3302 could include a highspeed networking wireless link including an antenna. In such case, thetransformer case 3302 (which is a utility class device) providesprotection from the elements that also protect the power loadmanagement/high speed networking element components as well as thewindings 3304.

FIG. 34 is a logic diagram illustrating load management control centeroperations according to the present invention. The load managementcontrol center is embodied as one or more digital computers coupled tothe utility communication network. These computers may include aseparate database for data storage or may include one or more highcapacity drives that store load management information for a pluralityof LMDs. The structure of digital computers is generally known and willnot be described further herein. FIG. 34 illustrates a plurality ofoperations that may be embodied in software instructions executed by adigital computer such as load management control center computerillustrated generally in FIG. 21. The load management control centerremains in an idle state (step 3402) until particular operations arerequired.

A first particular operation occurs when individual loads are to bedetermined (step 3404). In such case, there is optionally interactionbetween the load management control center and one or more PMTSs thatservice LMDs that are to be queried (step 3406). In such case, the loadmanagement control center computer receives one or more load reportsfrom PMTSs corresponding to the queried LMDs (step 3408). Thisinformation is stored by the load management control center in its database for future reference (step 3410). From step 3410, operation returnsto step 3402.

After completion of step 3404 through 3410, the load management controlcenter identifies, for a particular point in time, the level of loadthat is serviced via each queried LMD and in total by the queried LMDs.The load management system computer uses this information for subsequentload shedding/management operations. In such case, the load managementcontrol center determines how much load may be shed via directing theparticular responding LMDs.

Operation from step 3402 may also occur when a request to manage a loadis received (step 3412). Such a request may be received from asubscriber or from the load management control center. For example, asubscriber may desire to control a particular load within his or herwork or home. In such case, the load management control center retrievesload information from its database (step 3414). Then, the loadmanagement control system validates the request (step 3416) and if therequest is valid will initiate load management (step 3418). Initiationof step 3418 will enact operation of step 3420. From step 3418,operation proceeds to step 3402.

From step 3402, the load management control center may manage individualloads (step 3420). Such individual load management may be performed inresponse to step 3418 as was previously described. In such case, theload management control center interacts with a PMTS servicing theparticular LMD in order to manage load (step 3422). After suchinteraction, the load management control center may receive confirmationfrom the PMTS (step 3424). Based on this interaction, the loadmanagement control center updates its load information database (step3426).

In another operation, load management control center receives a loaddrop request (step 3412). A load drop request may be received as anemergency load reduction request produced in response to a generatingplant dropping unexpectedly off line. In such case, the system frequencyof the utility grid decreases because of a mismatch between thegeneration and load, or when the generation loss is otherwise detected.In this case, the load management control center receives a load droprequest. In response to this load drop request, the total level of loadto be dropped should correspond (partially or fully) the amount ofgeneration that has been lost. Alternatively, load may be droppedperiodically to compensate for a higher than expected peak that may notbe met by the currently available generation.

Based upon the amount of load to be dropped, the load management controlcenter identifies particular loads to drop (step 3430). The loadmanagement control center then sends load drop multicast(s) to one ormore PMTSs serving the load to be dropped (step 3432). Based upon thisrequest, the load management control center then receives confirmationfrom the PMTSs (step 3434). From step 3434 operation returns to step3402.

FIG. 35 is a logic diagram illustrating operation of a PMTS of a loadmanagement system according to the present invention. The PMTS remainsin idle state (step 3502) until particular operations are requested. Aswas described with reference to FIG. 21, the PMTS resides in a signalpath between the utility communication network 2102 and a plurality ofPLNs serviced by the PMTS.

A first operation performed by the PMTS occurs when the PMTS receives aload query from the load management control center via the utilitycommunication network (step 3504). In response to the query, the PMTSqueries each load or group of loads that it manages via correspondingLMDs (step 3506). In such case, the PMTS interacts with each PLN towhich it couples. Such operation may require address translation toreconcile particular addresses in a format required by the loadmanagement control center in a manner in which the PMTS identifies eachLMD coupled to its serviced power line carrier local area networks.

In response to the queries made to the group of LMDs, the PMTS receivesload responses (step 3508). Upon receipt of these load responses, thePMTS reports these loads to the load management control center (step3510). From step 3510, operation returns to step 3502.

During its normal operations the PMTS may also receive a load managementrequest (step 3512). In such case, the PMTS may be required to translatethe address received to properly address an LMD (step 3514). The PMTSthen sends a load management command to a selected LMD (step 3516).After the load management command has been sent, a reply may be receivedfrom the LMD. In any case, the PMTS, may sends a reply to the (step3518).

Further, from the PMTS idle state of step 3502, the PMTS may receive aload drop request (step 3520). This load drop request may affect one ormore LMDs. Because of the different addressing that may be employed bythe PMTS to address each LMD under its control, the PMTS may be requiredto translate the addresses used to perform low dropping (step 3522).Further, in the case of load drop request servicing, the PMTS may issuea single command to all serviced LMDs. The PMTS then issues a load dropcommand to one or more LMDs (step 3524). Based on this command, the PMTSmay receive a reply from one or more LMDs. In any case, the PMTSresponds to the load management control center (step 3526). Such requestmay confirm that the load drop command has been acted upon.

During its operation the PMTS will initially and periodically send aquery via each of the power line carrier local area networks that itservices to discover each and every load management device coupledthereto. In such case, the PMTS broadcasts an LMD query (step 3528). Inresponse to this query, the PMTS will receive responses from the LMDscoupled to serviced PLC-LANs (step 3530). Based upon the responses, thePMTS may perform address translation to convert a complete address of anLMD to a simpler address than it will use to address the LMD (step3532). After the PMTS has received all of the response from the LMDscoupled to its PLC-LANs, it compiles its results and reports the resultsto the load management control center (step 3534). From step 3534,operation proceeds to step 3502.

FIG. 36 is a logic diagram illustrating operation of a load managementdevice according to the present invention. Operation of the LMD remainsat an idle state (step 3602) until one or a particular number ofoperations is performed. One particular set of operations is performedwhen the LMD receives a load query (step 3604). In such case, if the LMDincludes metering, the LMD measures its current loading level (step3606). The LMD may also retrieve historical loading levels for thedevice (step 3608). Subsequently thereto, the LMD will report itsloading level(s) to the load management system via its PLN and PMTS.

The LMD may also receive a meter read request (step 3612). In such case,the LMD includes metering and retrieves a meter reading from its meter(step 3614). Alternately, the LMD may include memory in which is storedvarious meter readings over various time periods, e.g., peak demandduring peak demand hours, total Kwh used, etc. The LMD will reports itsmeter reading to the load management system (step 3616). Subsequently,the LMD may reset its meter or store the date that the meter was read(step 3618). From step 3618, operation returns to step 3602.

In another operation, the LMD receives a load management request (step3620). This load management request may be a request to drop a serviceload, drop a portion of the service load, re-establish service for aserviced load, etc. In such case, the LMD alters the state of itsmanaged load based upon the request (step 3622). Then, the LMD updatesits stored data to indicate the load management operation it has justperformed (step 3624). Next, the LMD optionally replies to the loadmanagement control center with its managed state update (step 3626).From step 3626, operation returns to step 3602.

In another set of operations, the LMD receives an identification requestfrom its servicing PMTS (step 3628). In response to the identificationrequest, the LMD retrieves its device information (step 3630). The LMDthen reports its device information to the querying device (step 3632).The LMD will then store configuration information that it subsequentlyreceives (step 3634).

FIG. 37 illustrates operations performed by a subscriber in placing inservice a load management device. As a first step in this operation, thesubscriber purchases a LMD (step 3702). The purchase of the LMD may beincentivised by a servicing utility company. An example of suchincentivisation would be when the utility company offers to reduce therates charged to the subscriber if the LMD is placed in service, e.g.,when the utility company is able to disrupt a serviced load.

After the subscriber purchases the LMD he may either install the LMDpersonally or may secure the utility company or contractor to installthe LMD (step 3704). The subscriber then logs into the load managementcontrol center of the utility company to register (step 3706).Subscriber information provided by the subscriber is then used by theutility company to initiate operation of the LMD and to properly creditthe subscriber's bill for having the LMD servicing his or her load.

After the LMD is placed in service, the LMD interacts with the loadmanagement system of the utility company (step 3708). Then, the LMDenters the idle state of step 3602 of FIG. 36 (step 3710).

FIG. 38 is a logic diagram illustrating operation in which a subscriberinitiates load management of load via a LMD. Operation commences withthe subscriber logging into the load management system of the utilitycompany (step 3802). As was previously described, the load managementsystem may be implemented by the utility company or by a serviceprovider performing the service for the utility company. After loggingin, the subscriber requests load management device operation (step3804). In response thereto, the load management system validates thesubscriber's request (step 3806). If the request is valid, the loadmanagement system issues the request of load management request (step3808). The load management system then responds to the subscriberindicating whether or not the load management request was successfullyperformed (step 3812). From step 3812, operation ends.

The preceding discussion has presented a method and apparatus forproviding broadband communication over powerlines. By having a powerlinenode in a neighborhood, only a single high-speed data path needs to berouted into the neighborhood to provide high-speed communications to aplurality of homes in the neighborhood. As such, the cost of the last100 feet of a communication system is dramatically reduced. By utilizingthe powerline node in combination with the powerline gateways, an entireneighborhood may be serviced by a single high-speed communication path.As one of average skill in the art will appreciate, other embodimentsmay be derived from the teaching of the present invention withoutdeviating from the scope of the claims.

1. A powerline based communication system comprises: powerlinetermination module operably coupled to manage data for at least aportion of the powerline based communication system, wherein the atleast a portion of the powerline based communication system includes aplurality of local area networks; a plurality of powerline gateways thatis arranged in sets of powerline gateways, wherein each set of powerlinegateways constitutes a corresponding one of the plurality of local areanetworks; and a plurality of powerline nodes operably coupled to thepowerline termination module via a high-speed communication path andoperably coupled to the plurality of powerline gateways via powerlines,wherein a first powerline node of the plurality of powerline nodes isoperably coupled, via powerlines of a first local transformer, to afirst set of the powerline gateways constituting a first correspondinglocal area network of the plurality of local area networks, wherein thefirst powerline node receives first local area network data of the datafrom the first set of powerline gateways via the powerlines of the firstlocal transformer and provides the first local area network data to thepowerline termination module via the high-speed communication path; andwherein said first power line node includes a local routine moduleconfigured to route data of the first set of power line gateways.
 2. Thepowerline based communication system of claim 1, wherein each of thepowerline gateways in the first set of powerline gateways comprises: ACcoupling module operably coupled to receive outbound modulated data fromthe powerlines of the first local transformer; demodulation moduleoperably coupled to demodulate the received outbound modulated databased on a demodulation protocol to produce demodulated data; dataprocessing module operably coupled to process the demodulated data basedon a desired communication convention to produce retrieved user data;and transmitting module operably coupled to provide the retrieved userdata to a user of the first corresponding local area network.
 3. Thepowerline based communication system of claim 2, wherein each of thepowerline gateways in the first set of powerline gateways comprises: asplitter operably coupled to separate the outbound modulated data frominbound modulated data on the powerlines of the first local transformer.4. The powerline based communication system of claim 2, wherein thedesired communication convention comprises at least one of: carriersense multiple access (CSMA), CSMA with collision avoidance, CSMA withcollision detection, encryption, and buffering.
 5. The powerline basedcommunication system of claim 2, wherein the demodulate protocolcomprises at least one of: orthogonal frequency division multiplexing,and code division multiple access.
 6. The powerline based communicationsystem of claim 1, wherein the first powerline node comprises: ACcoupling module operably coupled to receive the local area network dataas outbound modulated data from at least one of the first set ofpowerline gateways via the powerlines of the first local transformer;demodulation module operably coupled to demodulate the received outboundmodulated data based on a demodulation protocol to produce demodulateddata; data processing module operably coupled to process the demodulateddata based on a desired communication convention to produce retrievedlocal area network data; and transmitting module operably coupled totransmit the retrieved local area network data to the powerlinetermination module via the high-speed communication path.
 7. Thepowerline based communication system of claim 6, wherein the firstpowerline node comprises: a splitter operably coupled to separateinbound modulated data from the outbound modulated data on thepowerlines of the first local transformer.
 8. The powerline basedcommunication system of claim 6, wherein the data processing module ofthe first powerline node comprises: demapping module operably coupled todemap the local area network data from frequency bins within a frequencyrange of interest based on channel response of the powerlines to producethe processed data.
 9. The powerline based communication system of claim6, wherein the data processing module of the first powerline nodecomprises: local data processing module operably coupled to receivelocal data of the local area network data from a local user affiliatedwith the first powerline node, wherein the at least a portion of theprocessed data is exclusive of the local data; and wherein said localrouting module is operably coupled to route the local data to thehigh-speed communication path.
 10. The powerline based communicationsystem of claim 6, wherein the first powerline node comprises: a localpowerline gateway of the first set of the powerline gateways of thefirst local area network to support a local user affiliated with thefirst powerline node.
 11. The powerline based communication system ofclaim 6, wherein the demodulation module of the first powerline nodecomprises: ranging module operably coupled to compensate for variationsin line impedance of the powerlines of the local transformer.
 12. Thepowerline based communication system of claim 6, wherein thedemodulation module of the first powerline node comprises: multi-pathmodule operably coupled to compensate for multi-path error of thepowerlines of the local transformer.
 13. The powerline basedcommunication system of claim 1 further comprises: AC coupling capacitoroperably coupled to a second local transformer, wherein the second localtransformer is operably coupled to a second set of the powerlinegateways constituting a second local area network of the plurality oflocal area networks via powerlines of the second local transformer, andwherein the first powerline node receives second local area network dataof the data from the second set of powerline gateways via the powerlinesof the second local transformer and provides the second local areanetwork data to the powerline termination module via the high-speedcommunication path.
 14. The powerline based communication system ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of powerline nodes further comprises: asecond powerline node operably coupled, via powerlines of a second localtransformer, to a second set of the powerline gateways constituting asecond corresponding local area network of the plurality of local areanetworks, wherein the second powerline node receives second local areanetwork data of the data from the second set of powerline gateways viathe powerlines of the second local transformer and provides the secondlocal area network data to the powerline termination module via a secondhigh-speed communication path.
 15. The powerline based communicationsystem of claim 1, wherein the powerline termination module furthercomprises: communication network interface operably coupled to transmitthe data to a communication network; and user database operable tomaintain a listing of users of the powerline based communication system.16. A powerline based local area communication network system comprises:a plurality of powerline gateways that is arranged as a local areanetwork; and a powerline node operably coupled to the plurality ofpowerline gateways via powerlines of a local transformer, wherein thepowerline node receives local area network data from the plurality ofpowerline gateways via the powerlines of the local transformer andprovides the local area network data to a non-powerline high-speedcommunication path; and wherein said power line node comprises a localrouting module configured to route data to the power line gateways. 17.The powerline based local area communication network system of claim 16,wherein each of the plurality of powerline gateways comprises: ACcoupling module operably coupled to receive outbound modulated data fromthe powerlines of the local transformer; demodulation module operablycoupled to demodulate the received outbound modulated data based on ademodulation protocol to produce demodulated data; data processingmodule operably coupled to process the demodulated data based on adesired communication convention to produce retrieved user data; andtransmitting module operably coupled to provide the retrieved user datato a user of the local area network.
 18. The powerline based local areacommunication system of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality ofpowerline gateways comprises: a splitter operably coupled to separatethe outbound modulated data from inbound modulated data on thepowerlines of the local transformer.
 19. The powerline based local areacommunication system of claim 16, wherein the powerline node comprises:AC coupling module operably coupled to receive the local area networkdata as outbound modulated data from at least one of the first set ofpowerline gateways via the powerlines of the first local transformer;demodulation module operably coupled to demodulate the received outboundmodulated data based on a demodulation protocol to produce demodulateddata; data processing module operably coupled to process the demodulateddata based on a desired communication convention to produce retrievedlocal area network data; and transmitting module operably coupled totransmit the retrieved local area network data to the powerlinetermination module via the high-speed communication path.
 20. Thepowerline based local area communication system of claim 19, wherein thepowerline node comprises: a splitter operably coupled to separateinbound modulated data from the outbound modulated data on thepowerlines of the local transformer.
 21. The powerline based local areacommunication system of claim 19, wherein the data processing module ofthe powerline node comprises: demapping module operably coupled to demapthe local area network data from frequency bins within a frequency rangeof interest based on channel response of the powerlines to produce theprocessed data.
 22. The powerline based local area communication systemof claim 19, wherein the data processing module of the powerline nodecomprises: local data processing module operably coupled to receivelocal data of the local area network data from a local user affiliatedwith the first powerline node, wherein the at least a portion of theprocessed data is exclusive of the local data; and wherein said localrouting module is operably coupled to route the local data to thehigh-speed communication path.
 23. The powerline based local areacommunication system of claim 19, wherein the powerline node comprises:a local powerline gateway of the plurality of the powerline gateways tosupport a local user affiliated with the powerline node.
 24. Thepowerline based local area communication system of claim 19, wherein thedemodulation module of the first powerline node comprises: rangingmodule operably coupled to compensate for variations in line impedanceof the powerlines of the local transformer.
 25. The powerline basedlocal area communication system of claim 19, wherein the demodulationmodule of the first powerline node comprises: multi-path module operablycoupled to compensate for multi-path error of the powerlines of thelocal transformer.
 26. A method for providing broadband communicationover powerlines, the method comprises: receiving outbound modulated datavia AC coupling to powerlines of a local transformer, wherein theoutbound modulated data is associated with at least one user of aplurality of users in a local area network, wherein the plurality ofusers is operably coupled together via the powerlines of the localtransformer; demodulating the received outbound modulated data based ona demodulation protocol to produce demodulated data; processing thedemodulated data based on a desired communication convention to produceretrieved data; providing the retrieved data to a communication path;receiving inbound data; identifying local data of the inbound data thataddresses a local user of a plurality of users; and routing theidentified local data to the local user via the powerlines of the localtransformer.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the demodulating thereceived outbound modulated data further comprises at least one of:orthogonal frequency division demultiplexing of the received outboundmodulated data; and spread spectrum demodulation the received outboundmodulated data.
 28. The method of claim 26, wherein the processing ofthe demodulated data further comprises: demultiplexing the demodulateddata within the frames based on division demultiplexing of the framesamong the plurality of users.
 29. The method of claim 26, wherein theprocessing the demodulated data further comprises at least one of:decrypting the demodulated data based on decryption protocol of the atleast one user to produce the retrieved data; and buffering thedemodulated data to produce the retrieved data.
 30. The method of claim26, wherein the processing the demodulated data further comprises:identifying local data of the demodulated data that addresses a localuser of a plurality of users; and routing the local data to the localuser via a local communication path.
 31. The method of claim 26, whereinthe processing the demodulated data further comprises: demapping thedemodulated data from frequency bins within the frequency range ofinterest based on a channel response of the powerlines to produce theretrieved data.
 32. The method of claim 26, wherein the providing of theretrieved data further comprises: providing the retrieved data via thecommunication path to a utility network that couples a plurality ofsubstations to a control center.
 33. The method of claim 26, wherein theproviding the retrieved data further comprises: providing the retrieveddata in packets via a high-speed communication path that is operablycoupled to a communication network.
 34. The method of claim 26, whereinthe providing the retrieved data further comprises: providing theretrieved data in frames via a high-speed communication path that isoperably coupled to a communication network.
 35. The method of claim 26,wherein the processing the demodulated data further comprises:compensating for variations in line impedance of the powerlines.
 36. Themethod of claim 26, wherein the processing the demodulated data furthercomprises: compensating for multi-path error of the powerlines.
 37. Anapparatus for providing broadband communication over a powerline, theapparatus comprises: processing module; and memory operably coupled tothe processing module, wherein the memory further comprises operationalinstructions that cause the processing module to: receive outboundmodulated data via AC coupling to powerlines of a local transformer,wherein the outbound modulated data is associated with at least one userof a plurality of users in a local area network, wherein the pluralityof users is operably coupled together via the powerlines of the localtransformer; demodulate the received outbound modulated data based on ademodulation protocol to produce demodulated data; process thedemodulated data based on a desired communication convention to produceretrieved data; provide the retrieved data to a communication path;receive inbound data; identify local data of the inbound data thataddresses a local user of a plurality of users; and route the identifiedlocal data to the local user via the powerlines of the localtransformer.
 38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein memory furthercomprises operational instructions that cause the processing module todemodulate the received outbound modulated data by at least one of:orthogonal frequency division demultiplexing of the received outboundmodulated data; and spread spectrum demodulation the received outboundmodulated data.
 39. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein memory furthercomprises operational instructions that cause the processing module toprocess the demodulated data by: demultiplexing the demodulated datawithin the frames based on division demultiplexing of the frames amongthe plurality of users.
 40. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein memoryfurther comprises operational instructions that cause the processingmodule to process the data by at least one of: decrypting thedemodulated data based on decryption protocol of the at least one userto produce the retrieved data; and buffering the demodulated data toproduce the retrieved data.
 41. The apparatus of claim 37, whereinmemory further comprises operational instructions that cause theprocessing module to process the data by: identifying local data of thedemodulated data that addresses a local user of a plurality of users;and routing the local data to the local user via a local communicationpath.
 42. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein memory further comprisesoperational instructions that cause the processing module to process thedata by: demapping the demodulated data from frequency bins within thefrequency range of interest based on a channel response of thepowerlines to produce the retrieved data.
 43. The apparatus of claim 37,wherein memory further comprises operational instructions that cause theprocessing module to provide the retrieved data by: providing theretrieved data via the communication path to a utility network thatcouples a plurality of substations to a control center.
 44. Theapparatus of claim 37, wherein memory further comprises operationalinstructions that cause the processing module to provide the retrieveddata by: providing the retrieved data in packets via a high-speedcommunication path that is operably coupled to a communication network.45. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein memory further comprisesoperational instructions that cause the processing module to provide theretrieved data by: providing the retrieved data in frames via ahigh-speed communication path that is operably coupled to acommunication network.
 46. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein memoryfurther comprises operational instructions that cause the processingmodule to compensate for variations in line impedance of the powerlines.47. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein memory further comprisesoperational instructions that cause the processing module to compensatefor multi-path error of the powerlines.